Environment & Ecology Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Raja Rani Lake, where BSIP scientists found pollen evidence of a stronger past monsoon (January 2026), is in which district?
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Correct answer: C — Korba, Chhattisgarh
PIB (Science & Technology): the lake is in Korba district, Chhattisgarh, in India's Core Monsoon Zone.
The BSIP study of Raja Rani Lake (January 2026) linked a strong Indian Summer Monsoon to which global warm phase?
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Correct answer: D — Medieval Climate Anomaly
PIB (Science & Technology): the scientists traced the strong monsoon to the Medieval Climate Anomaly, roughly 1,060–1,725 CE.
How much new non-fossil capacity did India add in 2025, according to MNRE (January 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — 49.12 GW
PIB (MNRE): 49.12 GW of new non-fossil capacity was added in 2025.
What was India's installed solar capacity at the end of 2025, as reported by MNRE?
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Correct answer: C — 135.81 GW
PIB (MNRE): solar capacity rose from 97.86 GW in 2024 to 135.81 GW in 2025.
Consider the following statements based on MNRE data released in January 2026: 1. India's non-fossil installed capacity grew by 22.6% in 2025 to 266.78 GW. 2. Wind capacity grew faster than solar capacity in 2025. 3. India's national target is 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (MNRE): statements 1 and 3 are correct; solar grew 38.8% while wind grew only 13.2%, so statement 2 is wrong.
What does the 'M' in the mangrove scheme MISHTI stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Mangrove
PIB (MoEFCC): MISHTI stands for Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes.
Who inaugurated the national-level workshop on MISHTI held in Andhra Pradesh on 8–9 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Pawan Kalyan
PIB (MoEFCC): the workshop was inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
Consider the following statements about MISHTI: 1. It was launched on 5 June 2023. 2. It covers about 540 sq km across 9 coastal states and 4 Union Territories. 3. It contributes to the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, which India joined at COP-26 in Glasgow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoEFCC, April 2025 and January 2026): statements 1 and 2 are correct; India joined the Mangrove Alliance for Climate at COP-27, not COP-26.
The ₹68 lakh released by the National Biodiversity Authority to Maharashtra in January 2026 arose from commercial use of which biological resource?
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Correct answer: A — Bacillus soil bacteria
PIB (MoEFCC): the disbursement stems from the commercial use of soil bacteria of the Bacillus genus for probiotic products.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's ABS disbursement of January 2026: 1. The money went to Biodiversity Management Committees in Wada tehsil of Palghar and to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. 2. About 15% of ABS applications involve microorganisms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoEFCC): both are correct.
Which two CSIR laboratories developed the bio-bitumen technology transferred in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-IIP
PIB (Science & Technology): the technology was developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi, and CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun.
Consider the following statements about the CSIR bio-bitumen technology (January 2026): 1. It uses pyrolysis of post-harvest rice straw to produce bio-oil. 2. India imports about 80% of its bitumen requirement. 3. Laboratory validation shows 20–30% of conventional bitumen can be replaced. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Science & Technology): statements 1 and 3 are correct; India imports nearly 50% of its bitumen, not 80%.
Which hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle did Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Nitin Gadkari ride together in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Toyota Mirai
PIB (MNRE): the ministers took a joint ride in the Toyota Mirai fuel-cell electric vehicle.
Consider the following statements about the Toyota Mirai used in the ministers' ride of January 2026: 1. It generates electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. 2. Its only by-product is water vapour. 3. Its driving range is about 650 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MNRE): the Mirai produces electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, emits only water vapour and has a range of about 650 km. All three are correct.
In its 5 January 2026 inspection drive, how many road stretches maintained by the Noida Authority did CAQM inspect?
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Correct answer: C — 142
PIB (MoEFCC): CAQM inspected 142 road stretches under the jurisdiction of the Noida Authority.
CAQM's road-dust inspections in NCR, such as the Noida drive of January 2026, are carried out under which statutory framework?
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Correct answer: B — Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
PIB (MoEFCC): the drive was part of CAQM's monitoring and enforcement under the statutory framework of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The 17th meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF), held on 5 January 2026, reviewed progress under which programme?
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Correct answer: C — Namami Gange
PIB (Jal Shakti): the ETF meeting focused on monitoring and compliance frameworks under the Namami Gange Programme.
Who chaired the 17th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga rejuvenation in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — C. R. Paatil
PIB (Jal Shakti): the 17th ETF meeting was held under the chairmanship of Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil.
In which Haryana district did CAQM flying squads carry out 105 inspections on 2 January 2026, mostly of stone crushers?
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Correct answer: C — Nuh
PIB (CAQM): the major inspection operation was conducted in Nuh, Haryana, on 02.01.2026; 86 of the units inspected were stone crushers.
Consider the following statements about the CAQM inspection drive in Nuh, Haryana on 2 January 2026: 1. Ten flying squad teams of the Commission were deployed. 2. All 105 inspections were of industrial units; no construction sites were checked. 3. The inspections took place while GRAP Stage-III actions were in force in NCR. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
PIB (CAQM): 10 flying squads were deployed and GRAP Stage-III was in force. The 105 inspections included five construction and demolition sites, so statement 2 is wrong.
The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) payments made by the National Biodiversity Authority to red sanders farmers are mandated under which law?
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Correct answer: D — Biological Diversity Act, 2002
PIB (MoEFCC): the monetary benefits come under the ABS mechanism mandated under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
India's cumulative Access and Benefit Sharing releases crossed which figure after the NBA's January 2026 disbursement to Andhra Pradesh red sanders farmers?
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Correct answer: B — ₹143.5 crore
PIB (MoEFCC): with this disbursement, India's cumulative ABS releases now exceed ₹143.5 crore (USD 16 million); ₹104 crore is the amount released to Andhra Pradesh.
After CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-III on 2 January 2026, which stages of GRAP remained in force across NCR?
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Correct answer: B — Stages I and II
PIB (CAQM): all actions under Stages I and II of the extant GRAP schedule (November 2025) remained invoked across NCR.
What was Delhi's average AQI at 4 PM on 2 January 2026, when CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-III?
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Correct answer: C — 236
PIB (CAQM): Delhi's daily average AQI clocked 236 at 4:00 PM, as per the CPCB bulletin.
What is the outlay of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, whose e-3W (L5) target was achieved in December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — ₹10,900 crore
PIB (Heavy Industries): PM E-DRIVE was notified on 29 September 2024 with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore.
What is the estimated EV penetration in the e-3W (L5) segment, as stated by the Ministry of Heavy Industries in December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — About 32%
PIB (Heavy Industries): EV penetration within the e-3W (L5) segment is now estimated at ~32%.
How much renewable energy capacity did India add in 2025 up to November, according to MNRE's 29 December 2025 release?
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Correct answer: B — 44.51 GW
PIB (MNRE): 44.51 GW of RE was added in 2025 till November, nearly double the 24.72 GW of the same period last year. 34.98 GW was solar and 5.82 GW wind.
India reached 50% of its cumulative installed power capacity from non-fossil sources, five years ahead of its 2030 NDC target, in:
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Correct answer: A — June 2025
PIB (MNRE): India achieved 50% non-fossil installed capacity in June 2025, five years ahead of the 2030 target under its NDC. January 2025 is when solar crossed 100 GW and August 2025 when non-fossil crossed 250 GW.
Consider the following statements about India's renewable energy in 2025: 1. Installed solar capacity crossed 100 GW in January 2025. 2. Non-fossil capacity reached about 51.5% of total installed capacity in November 2025. 3. Wind capacity additions exceeded solar capacity additions in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MNRE): solar crossed 100 GW in January 2025 and non-fossil capacity was 262.74 GW, 51.5% of 509.64 GW, in November 2025. Solar added 34.98 GW against wind's 5.82 GW, so statement 3 is wrong.
Which organisation is funding the 320 houses for flood- and landslide-affected families in Reasi, J&K, whose foundation was laid on 27 December 2025?
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Correct answer: D — HRDS India
Daily Excelsior and The Tribune: the houses are funded entirely by the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) without any burden on the government exchequer.
How many houses for flood- and landslide-affected families in Reasi district had their foundation stone laid by LG Manoj Sinha on 27 December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 320
Daily Excelsior and The Tribune: the foundation stone was laid for 320 houses. The 1,869 figure refers to houses for which foundations were laid earlier across eight districts.
Consider the following statements about the Reasi housing project launched in December 2025: 1. The estimated cost of about ₹32 crore is borne entirely by HRDS India. 2. The houses are to be completed within six months of foundation work. 3. HRDS India will maintain the houses for 15 years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Daily Excelsior and The Tribune: HRDS India funds the ₹32 crore project and the houses are due within six months. HRDS India will maintain the houses for five years; 15 years is the free life insurance cover, so statement 3 is wrong.
The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB), which released the carbon uptake report in December 2025, works under the administrative control of:
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Correct answer: D — Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
PIB 2208907: NCB is an apex R&D organisation under the administrative control of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The GCCA India–NCB report 'Carbon Uptake by Concrete' (December 2025) is based on which methodology?
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Correct answer: B — Tier-I methodology of the IVL Swedish Environment Research Institute
PIB 2208907: the report is based on the Tier-I methodology of IVL Swedish Environment Research Institute; it will go to MoEF&CC for possible inclusion as a sink in NATCOM to the UNFCCC.
Which body has the Environment Ministry asked to identify additional no-mining zones and prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the Aravallis (December 2025)?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
PIB 2208234: MoEF&CC directed ICFRE to identify additional areas where mining should be prohibited while preparing the MPSM for the entire Aravalli region.
As described by the Environment Ministry in December 2025, the Aravalli Range stretches between:
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Correct answer: A — Gujarat and the National Capital Region
PIB 2208234: the Aravallis form a continuous geological ridge extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region.
Consider the following statements about the Centre's December 2025 directions on the Aravallis: 1. States must not grant any new mining leases anywhere in the Aravallis. 2. All mines already operating in the Aravallis must close immediately. 3. The Management Plan for Sustainable Mining will be placed in the public domain for consultation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2208234: the ban covers grant of new mining leases and the MPSM will be placed in the public domain. Existing mines are to be regulated stringently in line with the Supreme Court's order, not closed, so statement 2 is wrong.
GRAP Stage-IV, revoked across the NCR on 24 December 2025, had been invoked on 13 December 2025 when Delhi's average AQI crossed:
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Correct answer: D — 450
PIB 2208266: the Commission invoked Stage-IV on 13 December 2025 when Delhi's average AQI breached the 450 mark; it was revoked when the AQI improved to 271.
Which body revoked GRAP Stage-IV restrictions across the NCR on 24 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Commission for Air Quality Management
PIB 2208266: the Sub-Committee on GRAP of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked Stage-IV.
Under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, coal-based thermal plants must use a minimum blend of crop-residue pellets or briquettes of:
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Correct answer: A — 5%
PIB 2207853: the 2023 Rules mandate all coal-based TPPs to use a minimum 5% blend of biomass pellets or briquettes made of crop residue along with coal.
Which thermal power plant faced the largest proposed environmental compensation in CAQM's show cause notices of December 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, Mansa
PIB 2207853: Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (Vedanta), Mansa, Punjab faced a proposed EC of about ₹33.02 crore, the highest of the six.
Who chairs the CAQM Expert Committee on abatement of air pollution from vehicular emissions, ratified in December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Ashok Jhunjhunwala
PIB 2207584: the Expert Committee for abatement of air pollution caused by vehicular emissions is chaired by Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, IIT Madras. Rajesh Verma is CAQM's Chairman.
According to CAQM's review in December 2025, paddy stubble burning incidents in the NCR fell by about how much compared with 2021?
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Correct answer: B — 92%
PIB 2207584: the Commission noted approximately 92% overall reduction in NCR compared with 2021.
Where were the 28th Meeting of the NTCA and the 22nd Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant held on 21 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
PIB 2207157: both meetings were held on 21 December 2025 at the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal.
'STRIPES', one of the publications released at the Sundarbans meetings in December 2025, is the outreach journal of which body?
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Correct answer: C — National Tiger Conservation Authority
PIB 2207157: the Minister released the latest issue of STRIPES, NTCA's outreach journal.
Consider the following statements about the 28th NTCA meeting held in December 2025: 1. Updates included the expansion of Project Cheetah to the Banni Grassland in Gujarat. 2. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister. 3. Ground surveys for the sixth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation commenced from November 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2207157: updates covered Project Cheetah's expansion to Gandhisagar WLS and the Banni Grassland in Gujarat, and AITE ground surveys began in November 2025. The meeting was chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, so statement 2 is wrong.
Under the definition accepted by the Supreme Court in November 2025, a landform in the Aravalli districts is an 'Aravalli Hill' if it rises how high above local relief?
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Correct answer: B — 100 metres or more
PIB 2207176: any landform in the Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more from the local relief is an Aravalli Hill. 500 m is the proximity used to define a range.
Which state was the only one with a formally established definition of the Aravallis for regulating mining, in force since 9 January 2006?
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Correct answer: A — Rajasthan
PIB 2207176: only Rajasthan had a formal definition, based on its 2002 committee report using the Richard Murphy landform classification, followed since 9 January 2006.
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's 20 November 2025 judgment on the Aravallis: 1. Two or more Aravalli Hills within 500 metres of each other form an Aravalli Range. 2. MoEFCC was directed to prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining through ICFRE for the entire Aravallis. 3. New mining leases were allowed to continue while the plan is prepared. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2207176: the range definition uses 500 m proximity and the Court directed an MPSM through ICFRE. It imposed an interim moratorium on new leases until the MPSM is prepared, so statement 3 is wrong.
What is the theme of Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, launched in December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Swacchata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath
PIB 2207000: the SS 2025-26 theme is 'Swacchata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath'.
Swachh Survekshan assessed 73 urban local bodies in 2016. About how many did it assess in 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 4,900
PIB 2207000: from 73 ULBs in 2016 to assessing about 4,900 ULBs in 2024.
Consider the following statements about Swachh Survekshan 2025-26: 1. Citizens can give feedback round the year through platforms including the Vote For My City app and QR codes. 2. Assessment has been expanded from Ganga towns to river towns across the country. 3. The on-ground survey will be conducted by about 300 assessors over 15 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2207000: feedback is open round the year and river towns are now covered. The survey uses over 3,000 trained assessors for 45 days, so statement 3 is wrong.
The National Biodiversity Authority released ₹14.88 crore of Access and Benefit Sharing funds to Andhra Pradesh on 19 December 2025 for the conservation of which species?
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Correct answer: B — Red Sanders
PIB 2206421: the funds are earmarked for the protection, conservation and research of Red Sanders.
Consider the following statements: 1. The scientific name of Red Sanders is Pterocarpus santalinus. 2. Red Sanders is endemic to limited pockets of the Western Ghats. 3. India's cumulative Access and Benefit Sharing disbursements have crossed ₹143 crore. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2206421: Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is endemic to limited pockets of the Eastern Ghats, not the Western Ghats, and cumulative ABS disbursements have crossed ₹143 crore. Statement 2 is wrong.
Kumari Beel and Dhamar Beel, which the Assam Cabinet approved as Proposed Reserved Forests on 18 December 2025, are in which district?
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Correct answer: A — Goalpara
News Live and The Economic Times: both beels are in Goalpara district.
Under which law did the Assam Cabinet approve declaring Kumari Beel and Dhamar Beel as Proposed Reserved Forests?
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Correct answer: C — Assam Forest Regulation, 1891
News Live and The Economic Times: the declaration is under the relevant provisions of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891.
GRAP Stage IV, invoked across Delhi-NCR on 13 December 2025, corresponds to which air quality category?
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Correct answer: D — Severe+
PIB 2203635: Stage IV of GRAP is for 'Severe+' air quality, with Delhi's AQI above 450.
Which body invokes the stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR?
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Correct answer: A — Commission for Air Quality Management
PIB 2203635: the GRAP Sub-Committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) invoked Stage IV; CPCB publishes the AQI bulletin.
The Odisha Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI), inaugurated on 12 December 2025, is located near which place?
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Correct answer: A — Konark
PTI, OdishaBytes and Kalinga TV (12 Dec 2025): OSWALI was inaugurated at Ramchandi near Konark in Puri district.
Consider the following statements about OSWALI, inaugurated in Odisha on 12 December 2025: 1. It was built at a cost of ₹12 crore. 2. It will train only Odisha's own fire services personnel. 3. An MoU was signed with the National Institute of Water Sports, Goa. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PTI, OdishaBytes, Kalinga TV and TOI: OSWALI cost ₹12 crore and will train fire personnel from across the country, CAPFs, NDRF, police and volunteers; an MoU was signed with NIWS, Goa.
India's resolution on 'Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires' was adopted on 12 December 2025 at which forum?
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Correct answer: D — UNEA-7 at Nairobi
PIB 2203299: the resolution was adopted at the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Global Fire Management Hub, cited in India's UNEA-7 resolution on wildfires, was established in 2023 by which two bodies?
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Correct answer: A — FAO and UNEP
PIB 2203299: the Global Fire Management Hub was established in 2023 by FAO and UNEP.
According to the UNEP report 'Spreading Like Wildfire' cited by India at UNEA-7, by how much may wildfires rise by 2100 if current trends continue?
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Correct answer: D — 50%
PIB 2203299: the report warns wildfires may rise by 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050 and 50% by 2100.
Who chairs the Expert Committee constituted by CAQM on vehicular emissions in Delhi-NCR, announced on 12 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala
PIB 2203221: Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT Madras is Chairperson; Dr Randeep Guleria is Co-Chairperson; Prof. Sagnik Dey and Dr Arunabha Ghosh are members.
The Access and Benefit Sharing funds released by the National Biodiversity Authority on 11 December 2025 are for the conservation of which species?
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Correct answer: B — Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)
PIB 2202109: the ₹6.2 crore supports conservation of the endangered Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus).
Under which law is the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism, used by the NBA for its 11 December 2025 release, provided?
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Correct answer: C — Biological Diversity Act, 2002
PIB 2202109: the funds were released under the ABS mechanism of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
The India–EU Ideathon on Combating Marine Plastic Pollution, concluded on 10 December 2025, was organised under which framework?
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Correct answer: B — India–EU Trade and Technology Council
PIB 2201803: the Ideathon was organised under Working Group 2 of the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
In which city did the India–EU Ideathon on Marine Plastic Pollution conclude on 10 December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Bhubaneswar
PIB 2201803: the final ceremony was held at the BCKIC Foundation, KIIT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.