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Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Elephants in India, Clarion-Clipperton Zone and more (Week 116)
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Elephants in India, Clarion-Clipperton Zone and more (Week 116)

Indian Express

time5 days ago

  • General
  • Indian Express

Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Elephants in India, Clarion-Clipperton Zone and more (Week 116)

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. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Elephants in India, consider the following statements: 1. Project Elephant is a centrally sponsored scheme. 2. In north-eastern India, the elephant's range extends along the foothills of the Himalayas from the eastern border of Nepal through northern West Bengal to western Assam. 3. Elephants are protected under Schedule II species of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 4. As per the recent elephant census, there are zero elephants in Nilambur—Silent Valley—Coimbatore region. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — The Union Environment Ministry held a review of key initiatives under Project Elephant on Thursday at the 21st meeting of the project's steering committee, chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Phase-I of the synchronised elephant population estimation for the Northeastern states was completed, according to the ministry. — Project Elephant is a centrally supported plan, and the steering committee oversees its implementation, as well as problems such as elephant conservation and habitat protection. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The last elephant census or estimating exercise was conducted in 2017, and it revealed that the country was home to around 29,964 elephants. Although a report on the next synchronised elephant census titled 'Status of Elephants in India 2022-23' was created, The Indian Express reported in October that it was delayed due to a delay in the census in the North-East and because it was an interim report. According to that report, the number of elephants has decreased by 20% over the previous five years. — The elephant is India's national heritage animal, classified as a Schedule I species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Elephants in India — The elephant's range in north-east India runs along the Himalayan foothills from Nepal's eastern border to northern West Bengal to western Assam. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Elephant populations in central India are very fragmented, with a few individuals straying into Chhattisgarh from Orissa, Jharkhand, and the southern section of West Bengal. — In northwestern India, the species is distributed in six scattered populations in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, extending from the Bahraich Forest Department's Katranighat Wildlife Sanctuary in the east to the Yamuna River in the west. — Southern India has eight primary clusters that are split from one another: Northern Karnataka, Crystalline of Karnataka—Western Ghats; Bhadra—Malnad; Brahmagiri—Nilgiris—Eastern Ghats; Nilambur—Silent Valley—Coimbatore; Anamalai—Parambikulam; Periyar—Srivilliputhur; and Agasthyamalai. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to the 'tigers outside of tiger reserve', consider the following statements: 1. The scheme will be implemented by the Chief Wildlife Wardens of state forest departments, in close collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority. 2. The scheme aims to manage conflicts more effectively through enhanced monitoring and protection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — With frequent human-tiger conflicts in various forest divisions of the country, the Union Environment Ministry has approved funds for a pilot plan called 'tigers outside of tiger reserve' to better manage such conflicts through greater surveillance and protection. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — According to official documents, the executive committee of the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), which is part of the Environment Ministry, approved in-principle funding for the scheme on a pilot basis for one year. The scheme will provide funds to 80 forest divisions across ten states that were initially identified based on data from recurring human-tiger conflicts. — This will be used for technical interventions to preserve and monitor tigers and co-predators, to strengthen forest managers to deal with conflict caused by technology, to collaborate with civil society and professional veterinarians, and to expand the prey base. — The initiative will be executed on the ground by state forest department Chief Wildlife Wardens, in close collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). When asked about the initial rollout of the pilot, a government official stated that the NTCA was finalising the list of forest and wildlife divisions. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to the rare earth magnets, consider the following statements: 1. They are a crucial component in electric vehicle motors. 2. Russia controls over 90 per cent of global processing capacity for the magnets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — India stated it had communicated with China on the supply of rare earth magnets, as Beijing has imposed export limits. — China, which controls more than 90% of worldwide processing capacity for magnets used in autos, clean energy, and home appliances, imposed restrictions in April forcing companies to acquire import permits from Beijing. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — While rare earth magnets are essential components in electric vehicle motors, they are also required in equipment such as power windows and audio speakers found in gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — According to industry estimates, India's car sector bought 460 tonnes of rare earth magnets, largely from China, in the fiscal year ending March 31, and plans to import 700 tonnes valued at $30 million this year. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the tiger reserves, consider the following pairs: 1. Palamau Tiger Reserve – Mizoram 2. Sariska Tiger Reserve – Haryana 3. Madhav Tiger Reserve – Assam How many of the pairs given above are correctly marked? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) All three pairs (d) None of the pairs Explanation Madhav Tiger Reserve is situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh in Shivpuri District, very close to the Shivpuri township This was notified as a National Park in the year 1958. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Other Source: The Banakacherla reservoir project was recently in the news. It is the water dispute between: (a) Goa and Maharashtra (b) Odisha and Telangana (c) Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (d) Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Explanation — Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has challenged former Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Chandrashekar Rao to a discussion in the state Assembly over the contentious Banakacherla reservoir project. It is the most recent water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. — The Banakacherla reservoir project aims to transform Andhra Pradesh's drought-prone Rayalaseema area into arable land. — According to the idea, the first phase would be to increase the capacity of the Polavaram Right Main Canal from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs, allowing Godavari water to be transferred to Krishna. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Where is the Clarion-Clipperton Zone found? (a) In the Antarctic Ocean (b) In the low Earth orbit (LEO) where astronauts primarily travel (c) Between troposphere and stratosphere (d) In the Pacific Ocean Explanation — Scientists have been fascinated by the mystery of dark matter for decades, thinking that it uses gravitational attraction to hold galaxies together. Recently, an exciting discovery has shed light on another unseen phenomena: dark oxygen. — Dark oxygen is found well below the ocean's surface. A recent study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that oxygen is released from mineral deposits located 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) below the surface in the Pacific Ocean's Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). — This depth is almost half of Mount Everest's height. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Consider the following pairs: 1. Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary : Sikkim 2. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary – Maharashtra 3. Kuno National Park – Madhya Pradesh 4. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala Which of the pairs given above are not correctly matched? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Only 3 (d) All of the above Explanation — The Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary renamed on 25 May 2004, formerly known as the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary or Hollongapar Reserve Forest, is an isolated protected area of evergreen forest located in Jorhat district of Assam, India. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. These migratory birds, locally known as 'Kahuaipuina,' arrive in northeastern India, particularly in Manipur and Nagaland, in large numbers during October. Which birds are being referred to in the above lines? (a) Amur Falcons (b) Rosy Pelican (c) Black-crowned Night Heron (d) Siberian Cranes Explanation Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis) – These migratory visitors, locally known as 'Kahuaipuina,' arrive in northeastern India, particularly in Manipur and Nagaland, in large numbers during October. They are on their southbound migration from their breeding grounds in northern China, eastern Mongolia, and far eastern Russia. During their stopover, which lasts three to four weeks, the falcons build fat reserves by foraging on termites before continuing their journey to their wintering grounds in South Africa. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 115) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.

Project Elephant review: Census ph-I completed in N-E, over 3,000 km rly lines mapped to prevent collisions
Project Elephant review: Census ph-I completed in N-E, over 3,000 km rly lines mapped to prevent collisions

Indian Express

time6 days ago

  • Politics
  • Indian Express

Project Elephant review: Census ph-I completed in N-E, over 3,000 km rly lines mapped to prevent collisions

The Union Environment Ministry Thursday held a review of key initiatives under Project Elephant in the 21st meeting of the project's steering committee chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in Dehradun, and it was noted that Phase-I of the synchronized elephant population estimation was completed for the Northeastern states, as per the ministry. Yadav also chaired a meeting of the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife in Dehradun and the committee recommended the inclusion of sloth bear and gharial in the ministry's species recovery programme, the ministry added. According to the ministry, during the meeting it was also noted that as part of the government's plans to mitigate elephant mortalities due to collisions with trains, 3,452.4 km of sensitive railway stretches were surveyed and 77 high-risk areas were identified for mitigation. Project Elephant is a centrally sponsored scheme and the steering committee reviews the project's implementation and issues such as elephant conservation and protection of habitats. On the synchronized elephant population estimation in the Northeastern states, the committee noted that over 16,500 elephant dung samples have been collected, as per the ministry. Further, the committee also discussed regional action plans on human-elephant conflict in southern and Northeastern India. The last elephant census or estimation exercise was in 2017 which found that the country was home to around 29,964 elephants. Even though a report on the next synchronized elephant census titled 'Status of Elephants in India 2022-23' was prepared, The Indian Express had reported last October that it was shelved citing a delay in census in the North-East and because it was an interim report. That report had noted a 20% drop in elephant count compared to five years ago. Last December, in reply to a question in Parliament, the Environment ministry had said that between 2019-20 and 2023-24, 73 elephant deaths due to collision with trains or train accidents were reported. The committee also noted progress on DNA profiling of captive elephants, with 1,911 genetic profiles completed across 22 states. Yadav urged coordinated efforts between Indian Railways, Ministry of Power, NHAI and mine developers to reduce human-wildlife conflict, as per a government release. He also emphasised the need for systematic collection and analysis of data on elephant deaths due to railway accidents, and knowledge sharing among states. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More

Centre clears plan to more than double iron-ore output at Lloyds mine in Maharashtra's Maoist-affected Gadchiroli
Centre clears plan to more than double iron-ore output at Lloyds mine in Maharashtra's Maoist-affected Gadchiroli

Indian Express

time08-06-2025

  • Business
  • Indian Express

Centre clears plan to more than double iron-ore output at Lloyds mine in Maharashtra's Maoist-affected Gadchiroli

The Union Environment Ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on non-coal mining projects has recommended environmental clearance for Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. to more than double iron-ore output at its Surjagarh mine in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district—from 10 million tonnes per annum to 26 MTPA. The approval — recommended for a region long affected by Maoist violence — comes as both the Maharashtra government and the Centre push to bring more industry into Gadchiroli. It also follows, by just a few weeks, another green light from the Environment Ministry to clear over 900 hectares of forest and cut more than 100,000 trees for Lloyds Metals and Energy's ore-washing plant. That plant will 'clean' the iron ore—removing dirt and other unwanted bits—to produce higher-quality material for steelmaking. According to the minutes of the EAC meeting held on May 15, the clearance was granted with both standard and project‐specific conditions, including compliance with a wildlife management and conservation plan. The mine lease lies within the Bhamragad Reserve Forest, an area of hills and plains that's part of a much larger, uninterrupted stretch of woodland running from Maharashtra into Chhattisgarh. In April, a sub-committee of the EAC visited the site and made recommendations on how to protect the local wildlife. They pointed out that because this forest isn't broken up by roads or farms, animals can move freely between different parts of it—like using an open highway through the trees—which helps keep the entire ecosystem healthy. 'Given the ecological sensitivity of the Bhamragad reserve forest, the project proponent shall implement recommendations of the wildlife conservation plan in letter and spirit in consultation with the forest department. Periodic monitoring of flora and fauna should be continued in the 10 km radius of the project,' the EAC said, as per the minutes. The EAC approved the mine expansion even though several petitions against earlier enlargements are still being heard by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. They acknowledged these ongoing court cases and reminded the company to follow every environmental law and safety measure exactly as prescribed. The Surjagarh iron ore mining lease, spread over 348 hectares, was initially granted to the company for 20 years in 2007 and was later extended until May 2057, according to company documents submitted to the Centre. Though the company received the mining lease in 2007, mining operations commenced only in 2016, but had to be halted as it was targeted by Maoists. It also faced protests and agitations from tribal communities over issues of tribal and forest rights. In December 2016, Maoists torched 69 trucks and three earth movers at the Surjagarh mine in Gadchiroli – one of the biggest arson attacks by Maoists in the region. Before the 2016 violence, Jaspal Singh Dhillon, vice president of Lloyd Steel, was shot dead, allegedly by Maoists. In December 2022, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board filed a complaint under Sections 15, 16 and 19 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, in the Court of the First Class Judicial Magistrate at Aheri, Gadchiroli. Company officials voluntarily pleaded guilty and were convicted, according to ministry and court records. In the 2021–22 financial year, the mine produced just 3.207 million tonnes of iron ore—85 percent of its permitted 3 MTPA capacity. This shortfall was largely due to Maoist activity and related security concerns in the region. Maoist insurgency in Gadchiroli has been ebbing gradually owing to operations of the state's elite anti-Naxal commando force C60 as well as operations of the Central forces. Chief Minister Fadnavis spent the first day of the year in Gadchiroli, where 11 Maoists surrendered before him and he also inaugurated a 32-km long state transport bus service. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More

PM to launch mega ‘Aravalli Green Wall project' on June 5
PM to launch mega ‘Aravalli Green Wall project' on June 5

United News of India

time04-06-2025

  • Health
  • United News of India

PM to launch mega ‘Aravalli Green Wall project' on June 5

New Delhi, June 4 (UNI) India will kick start its ambitious Aravalli Green Wall Project on World Environment Day on June 5 in a bid to give a new lease of life to one of the oldest mountains of the world ie Aravalli range which is facing rapid degradation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the project by planting a Banyan sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign at Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park in the national capital, a step to prevent desertification and land degradation caused by global warming. On the occasion, the Prime Minister will also flag off 200 electric buses under Delhi Government's sustainable transport initiative, promoting clean urban mobility and symbolizing the nation's collective responsibility towards ecological balance, said a statement here. Aiming to create a 400 km long and 5 km wide green corridor covering states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi, India had introduced the Aravalli Green Wall project at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh in 2019. The Union Environment Ministry had released the project's action plan in March. The project envisages boostING biodiversity of the Aravalli Hill Region and is a major initiative to spread green cover in the 5 km buffer area around the Range in 29 districts of the four states, according to the statement. Besides, reforestation and afforestation and rejuvenation of water bodies, the project aims to improve the soil fertility, water availability and climate resilience of the region. The project will also benefit the local communities by providing them with employment and income generation opportunities. In the initial phase, 75 water bodies will be rejuvenated, starting with five waterbodies each in every district of Aravalli landscape, said an official from the Ministry. The plan is inspired by Africa's 'Great Green Wall' project, running from Senegal (West) to Djibouti (East), which came into effect in 2007. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign encourages people to plant a tree as a symbol of love, respect, and honour for their mothers, while also pledging to protect trees and the Earth. UNI AJ SSP

Centre's expert panel recommends environmental nod for twin-tunnel road near Wayanad landslide site in Kerala
Centre's expert panel recommends environmental nod for twin-tunnel road near Wayanad landslide site in Kerala

Indian Express

time30-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Indian Express

Centre's expert panel recommends environmental nod for twin-tunnel road near Wayanad landslide site in Kerala

The Union Environment Ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on infrastructure projects has recommended environmental clearance for the 8.75-km-long twin tunnel road proposed between Kozhikode and Wayanad district in Kerala, close to areas affected by the disastrous 2019 and 2024 landslides. The four-lane tunnel road is proposed between Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi and will require blasting for construction in the fragile Western Ghats. In early April, the expert panel had deferred a decision on the proposal and had directed the Kerala Government to submit studies on the geology, landslides, and water drainage in the project area. During a meeting on May 14, the panel appraised these studies and recommended conditional clearance for the project. Key among the conditions was to follow the recommendations of the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) to mitigate the impacts of tunnelling and blasting. In its geological study, the institute had said that tunnelling activities during construction, including vibration from blasting, can lead to landslips if it is uncontrolled. 'To manage this, a vibration monitoring plan shall be implemented before tunnelling starts, including demarcating impact areas and regulating blasting charges,' the minutes of the EAC's May 14 meeting noted. One of the conditions laid down in the clearance recommendation stated that the Kerala government would have to implement all recommendations of CIMFR to mitigate blasting impacts, and a compliance report would have to be submitted. The EAC also directed the Kerala government to establish the Appankappu Elephant Corridor, to facilitate the movement of elephants from South Wayanad, Nilambur North Forest division towards the Silent Valley National Park. It was also directed to commission a monitoring study on the endemic and endangered Banasura Chilappan bird found above the proposed tunnel. Additionally, the EAC has asked the state government to construct elephant underpasses at two locations as well as animal passages, such as culverts, for smaller animals. Following the devastating July 2024 landslide in Chooralmala-Mundakkai areas in Wayanad that killed 298 people, local environmental groups such as the Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samithi have opposed the tunnel road, fearing ecological hazards. The EAC has itself noted that the tunnel alignment passes through highly vulnerable terrain, prone to landslides, including the 2019 Puthumala landslide area. Besides, the project area includes villages demarcated as ecologically sensitive areas by the Centre in its draft notification on the protection of Western Ghats. The proposed 8.75-km tunnel road was cleared in March by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), as the project size mandates appraisal only at the state level. However, the central-level EAC was appraising the project as the tenure of the members of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, which grants final approvals on the SEAC's recommendation, had ended. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More

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