Environment & Ecology Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Tarun Kumar Pithode took charge in October 2025 as the full-time Member Secretary of which body?
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Correct answer: A — Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas
PIB: Tarun Kumar Pithode, IAS (2009, MP cadre), took charge as full-time Member Secretary of CAQM, succeeding Arvind Kumar Nautiyal.
Citing NCRB data, the NHRC said in October 2025 that how many people died from exposure to cold waves in India between 2019 and 2023?
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Correct answer: D — 3,639
PIB (NHRC): citing the NCRB report 'Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India', a total of 3,639 people reportedly died from exposure to cold waves between 2019 and 2023.
According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, what is India's global rank in total forest area?
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Correct answer: C — 9th
PIB: India moved up to 9th position in total forest area as per GFRA 2025; it was 10th in the previous assessment.
The Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 was released by which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
PIB: GFRA 2025 was released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali.
Consider the following statements regarding India in the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025: 1. India retained its 3rd position worldwide in annual forest area gain. 2. The assessment was released by FAO at Rome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: India maintained its 3rd position in annual forest area gain; the GFRA 2025 was released by FAO in Bali, not Rome.
In October 2025, the National Biodiversity Authority released ₹67 lakh to the Dapur Biodiversity Management Committee. In which district is Dapur located?
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Correct answer: B — Nashik
PIB: the Dapur BMC is in Sinnar taluk, Nashik district, Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements about the Dapur access and benefit-sharing case (October 2025): 1. The biological resource accessed was soil microorganisms used to develop probiotic supplements. 2. The money was paid directly by the company to the gram panchayat, bypassing the State Biodiversity Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the company accessed soil microorganisms from Dapur and developed probiotic supplements; the NBA released the money through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.
Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), in force in Delhi-NCR on Diwali 2025, corresponds to which AQI band?
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Correct answer: B — 301–400 ('Very Poor')
CAQM order: Stage-II of GRAP corresponds to 'Very Poor' air quality, Delhi AQI 301–400.
Before Stage II was invoked on 19 October 2025, since when had Stage I of GRAP been in force in Delhi-NCR?
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Correct answer: D — 14 October 2025
CAQM order: Stage-I of the extant GRAP was in force vide order dated 14.10.2025; Stage-II was added on 19.10.2025.
Consider the following statements about the invocation of GRAP Stage II in October 2025: 1. It was invoked by the Central Pollution Control Board. 2. It involves a 12-point action plan applied across the entire NCR in addition to Stage I actions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. CAQM: the Sub-Committee on GRAP of the Commission for Air Quality Management (not CPCB) invoked the 12-point Stage II plan across the entire NCR, in addition to Stage I; CPCB only supplies the AQI bulletin.
As part of its Green Diwali campaign in October 2025, where did WWF-India's EIACP centre inaugurate a 'Breathable Art' installation?
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Correct answer: A — Rohini, Delhi
PIB: this Diwali, WWF EIACP inaugurated a 'Breathable Art' installation in Rohini, symbolising community-led action for clean air.
In the Environment Ministry's programme under which WWF-India runs a Programme Centre, what does EIACP stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme
PIB: EIACP stands for Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme; WWF-India's Programme Centre–Resource Partner is supported by MoEFCC.
Of the ₹1,950.80 crore SDRF advance approved in October 2025, which state received the larger share?
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Correct answer: C — Maharashtra
PIB: Maharashtra was approved ₹1,566.40 crore and Karnataka ₹384.40 crore out of ₹1,950.80 crore.
As of 19 October 2025, how much had the Centre released to states under SDRF during 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — ₹13,603.20 crore to 27 states
PIB: the Centre released ₹13,603.20 crore to 27 states under SDRF; the other figures relate to NDRF (₹2,189.28 crore), SDMF (₹4,571.30 crore) and NDMF (₹372.09 crore).
Consider the following statements about disaster response funding and deployment in 2025: 1. The advance release to Karnataka and Maharashtra was the second instalment of the Central share of SDRF for 2025-26. 2. During the 2025 monsoon, NDRF teams were deployed in only 15 States/UTs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the ₹1,950.80 crore was the 2nd instalment of the Central share of SDRF; up to 199 NDRF teams were deployed in 30 States/UTs (15 is the number of states that received NDRF funds).
The G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting, where India delivered its closing statement on 17 October 2025, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Cape Town
PIB: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered India's closing statement at the meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.
Consider the following statements made by India at the G20 environment ministerial in October 2025: 1. India raised its non-fossil electric generation capacity to over 50% in 2025, meeting its revised NDC target five years in advance. 2. India's installed solar capacity grew from 27 GW in 2014 to 127 GW in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: non-fossil capacity exceeded 50% in 2025, five years ahead of the revised NDC target; installed solar capacity grew from 2.8 GW in 2014 (not 27 GW) to 127 GW in 2025.
Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), invoked across NCR on 14 October 2025, corresponds to which AQI category?
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Correct answer: D — 'Poor' (201–300)
PIB (CAQM): with Delhi's AQI in the 'Poor' category (201–300), the Sub-Committee invoked all actions under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality) of GRAP.
Which body's sub-committee invoked GRAP Stage-I across the NCR in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
PIB: the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP met and decided to invoke all actions under Stage-I in the entire NCR; the CPCB only provides the daily AQI bulletin.
Where was COP30 to the UNFCCC scheduled to be held from 10 to 21 November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Belém, Brazil
PIB: the 30th Conference of Parties (CoP30) to the UNFCCC would be held in Belém from November 10–21, 2025; the Pre-COP was in Brasilia.
At the Pre-COP30 Ministerial Roundtable in October 2025, India said COP30 should be the 'COP of':
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Correct answer: D — Adaptation
PIB: 'COP30 should be the COP of Adaptation', the Minister emphasized, urging a minimum package of indicators from the UAE–Belém Work Programme.
What does IMD's 'Mausamgram' platform, reviewed in October 2025, mainly provide?
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Correct answer: B — Hyperlocal weather forecasts down to the village level
PIB: Mausamgram (Har Har Mausam, Har Ghar Mausam) is a citizen-focused platform providing hyperlocal, location-specific forecasts down to the village level.
According to Dr Jitendra Singh in October 2025, how much did IMD's indigenous Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System save?
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Correct answer: D — About ₹250 crore
PIB: the Minister commended IMD for saving ₹250 crore through the self-reliant Multi-Hazard Early Warning forecast system, ending foreign vendor dependence.
Consider the following statements about IMD's forecasting upgrades as of October 2025: 1. The lead period of forecasts and warnings has increased from 5 to 7 days. 2. Under Mission Mausam, IMD aims to forecast severe weather hazards at a 5x5 km scale by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the re-engineered process increased the lead period from 5 to 7 days; Mission Mausam will enable severe weather hazard forecasting at a 5x5 km scale by 2030.
Where was the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 held, on whose sidelines a forest rangers' recognition ceremony took place in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Abu Dhabi
PIB: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh participated in the Recognition Ceremony of Forest Rangers on the sidelines of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
At the 10 October 2025 review of Delhi-NCR air pollution, which app was designated as the single online app for disseminating the Air Quality Index?
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Correct answer: C — SAMEER
PIB: Bhupender Yadav suggested that the SAMEER app will be the single online app for disseminating the Air Quality Index and directed CAQM to issue instructions accordingly.
Consider the following statements about the Delhi-NCR air pollution review of 10 October 2025: 1. The Minister reviewed the installation of OCEMS in Orange Category industries only. 2. Paddy straw management was reviewed in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: OCEMS installation was reviewed in Red Category and 17 categories of polluting industries, and paddy straw management was reviewed in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
How many critical and strategic mineral blocks are offered in Tranche VI of the auction launched in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 23
PIB: Tranche VI, launched on 16 September 2025, includes 23 critical and strategic mineral blocks — 19 composite licences and 4 mining leases.
Consider the following statements about Tranche VI of the critical mineral block auction: 1. It comprises 19 composite licences and 4 mining leases. 2. It was launched by the Ministry of Mines on 16 September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: Tranche VI was launched on 16 September 2025 and includes 23 blocks — 19 composite licences and 4 mining leases.
According to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav (October 2025), the number of Asiatic lions has risen by 32% since 2020 to reach:
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Correct answer: D — 891
PIB: Asiatic lions are now thriving across 35,000 sq km, with their numbers rising by 32% since 2020 to reach 891.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. 2. The Global Summit on Big Cat Conservation planned for 2026 concerns six big cat species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the minister noted the addition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves; the summit concerns seven big cat species — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, jaguar, cheetah and puma.
Of the ₹903.67 crore approved by the High-Level Committee in October 2025 for expansion and modernisation of fire services, which state received the largest amount?
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Correct answer: D — Madhya Pradesh
PIB: of ₹903.67 crore, ₹117.19 crore was approved for Haryana, ₹397.54 crore for Madhya Pradesh and ₹388.94 crore for Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements about the High-Level Committee decision of 7 October 2025: 1. The additional assistance to Assam and Gujarat from the NDRF is subject to adjustment of 50% of the opening balance in their SDRF. 2. During 2025-26, the Centre released SDRF funds to all 36 States and UTs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the assistance is provided from the NDRF subject to adjustment of 50% of the opening balance available in the SDRF; in 2025-26 the Centre released ₹13,603.20 crore to 27 states under the SDRF.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four Pollution Response Centres established by the Indian Coast Guard?
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Correct answer: D — Kochi
PIB: to operationalise the NOSDCP, the ICG has established four Pollution Response Centres at Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair and Vadinar.
Consider the following statements: 1. NATPOLREX-X, held off Chennai in October 2025, included the first-ever shoreline clean-up drill at Marina Beach. 2. The National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) was approved in 2003. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: a key highlight was the first-ever shoreline clean-up drill at Marina Beach; the NOSDCP, drafted by the ICG, was approved in 1993.
What was the theme of Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations held at Dehradun on 6 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Human-Wildlife Coexistence
PIB: this year's theme was 'Human-Wildlife Coexistence', aimed at moving from 'conflict to coexistence'.
At Wildlife Week 2025, a Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management (CoE-HWC) was launched at which institution?
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Correct answer: B — SACON
PIB: the projects launched included the Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management (CoE-HWC) at SACON, a dedicated national centre for policy, research and field mitigation.
Rajasthan's first 'Namo Biodiversity Park', named 'NAMO VAN', was inaugurated on 5 October 2025 in which district?
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Correct answer: D — Alwar
PIB (MoEFCC): Rajasthan's first Namo Biodiversity Park, 'NAMO VAN', was inaugurated at Pratap Bandh, Alwar, by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
During which period is Wildlife Week observed in India every year?
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Correct answer: D — 2 to 8 October
Wildlife Week is observed every year from 2 to 8 October.
Where did Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav lay the foundation stone of 'Namo Van' to mark Wildlife Week 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Manesar, Haryana
The foundation stone of 'Namo Van' was laid at Manesar, Haryana, on 2 October 2025.
What was the tagline of the Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 held on Gandhi Jayanti 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Swachhta se Swasthya ki or
The tagline was 'Swachhta se Swasthya ki or', meaning towards good health through cleanliness.
In which district of Madhya Pradesh did a tractor-trolley carrying devotees for Durga idol immersion fall into a pond on 2 October 2025, killing 11 people?
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Correct answer: A — Khandwa
The accident occurred in the Pandhana area of Khandwa district.
The four-laning of the Kalibor–Numaligarh section of NH-715, approved in October 2025, includes wildlife-friendly measures along which national park?
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Correct answer: C — Kaziranga
The project includes wildlife-friendly measures on the Kaziranga National Park stretch.
Which section of NH-715 in Assam did the Cabinet approve for four-laning on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Kalibor–Numaligarh
The CCEA approved four-laning of the 85.675 km Kalibor–Numaligarh section at ₹6,957 crore.
What was Delhi's average AQI for January–September 2025, as reported by the Environment Ministry?
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Correct answer: A — 164
Delhi's average AQI for January–September 2025 was 164, against 178 in 2024.
Consider the following statements about Delhi's air quality in January–September 2025: 1. There was no day with an average AQI above 400. 2. Delhi recorded 75 'Satisfactory' AQI days in this period. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Environment Ministry release of 1 October 2025.
At which project site near Chennai did a scaffolding collapse kill nine migrant workers from Assam on 30 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Ennore SEZ thermal power project
The collapse occurred at the 1,320 MW Ennore SEZ thermal power project site near Ponneri.
What is the scientific name of Red Sanders, for whose conservation the National Biodiversity Authority sanctioned ₹82 lakh in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Pterocarpus santalinus
Red Sanders is Pterocarpus santalinus; Santalum album is white sandalwood.
Where is the headquarters of the National Biodiversity Authority, which sanctioned funds for Red Sanders conservation in 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Chennai
The NBA is headquartered in Chennai.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's Red Sanders sanction of September 2025: 1. The funds came from the state government's forest budget. 2. The Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism used is provided under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the funds came from the benefit-sharing amount collected from users of Red Sanders, and ABS is a mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended 2023).
A report on which subject was released at the 16th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation in September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Geomorphic and ecological impacts of sand mining in large rivers
The meeting chaired by C.R. Paatil released a report on the geomorphic and ecological impacts of sand mining in large rivers.
Who heads the one-member Commission of Inquiry set up by the Tamil Nadu government into the Karur stampede of 27 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin constituted a one-member Commission of Inquiry headed by retired High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan.
What was the final death toll of the Karur stampede at the TVK rally, reached on 29 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 41
At least 39 died on 27 September; the toll rose to 41 on 29 September when a woman under treatment died.
What ex-gratia did the Prime Minister announce from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each person who died in the Karur stampede?
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Correct answer: B — ₹2 lakh
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF per deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured; ₹10 lakh was the Tamil Nadu government's relief.
Consider the following statements about the Karur stampede of 27 September 2025: 1. The Tamil Nadu government announced ₹10 lakh for the family of each person who died. 2. The stampede took place in Karur's Velusamypuram during a rally of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the State announced ₹10 lakh per deceased, and the stampede occurred at Velusamypuram during a TVK rally addressed by Vijay.
With the inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve on 27 September 2025, how many Indian biosphere reserves are in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
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Correct answer: C — 13
The Cold Desert addition took India's tally in the WNBR to 13.
In which district of Himachal Pradesh is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, added to UNESCO's network in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Lahaul–Spiti
The 7,770 sq km reserve lies in Lahaul–Spiti district.
Which protected area is part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve listed by UNESCO in 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Pin Valley National Park
The reserve covers Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandratal.
Consider the following statements about the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve: 1. It was added to the WNBR at a UNESCO MAB meeting held in Paris. 2. It covers about 7,770 sq km at altitudes of 3,300 to 6,600 metres. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the designation was made in Hangzhou, China. Statement 2 is correct.
With the addition of two Bihar wetlands on 26 September 2025, how many Ramsar sites does India have?
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Correct answer: C — 93
Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel took India's total to 93 Ramsar sites covering 13,60,719 ha.
In which district of Bihar is Gokul Jalashay, declared a Ramsar site in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Buxar
Gokul Jalashay (448 ha) is in Buxar district; Udaipur Jheel (319 ha) is in West Champaran.
Udaipur Jheel, added to the Ramsar list in September 2025, is located in which state?
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Correct answer: B — Bihar
Udaipur Jheel (319 ha) is in West Champaran district, Bihar.
Consider the following statements about the Ramsar sites added in September 2025: 1. Udaipur Jheel is larger in area than Gokul Jalashay. 2. Both new sites are in Uttar Pradesh. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: Gokul Jalashay (448 ha) is larger than Udaipur Jheel (319 ha), and both are in Bihar.