Environment & Ecology Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
At which port was India's first fleet of electric heavy trucks with swappable batteries flagged off on 25 September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
The fleet was flagged off at the Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal of JNPA by Sarbananda Sonowal.
What share of its internal heavy truck fleet does JNPA aim to convert to electric by December 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 90%
JNPA aims to convert 90% of its internal heavy truck fleet of about 600 vehicles by December 2026.
MoSPI's 'Environmental Accounting on Forest – 2025' is compiled under which international framework, adopted by MoSPI in 2018?
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Correct answer: B — UN System of Environmental Economic Accounts (SEEA)
MoSPI adopted the UN SEEA framework in 2018; the forest accounts follow it.
In which feature of the Indian Ocean did India secure exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides under a contract announced on 20 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Carlsberg Ridge
The new 15-year ISA contract covers 10,000 sq km of the Carlsberg Ridge.
With which body did India's Ministry of Earth Sciences sign the contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge?
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Correct answer: D — International Seabed Authority
The 15-year contract was signed between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
What is the duration of India's new ISA contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge?
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Correct answer: A — 15 years
The new contract runs for 15 years and covers 10,000 sq km.
Consider the following statements: 1. India is the first country to hold two ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphide exploration. 2. India's other PMS contract covers the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: with the Carlsberg Ridge contract India became the first country with two ISA PMS contracts, the other covering the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge.
India was designated a 'Pioneer Investor' by virtue of being the first country to receive an area in international waters for exploration of:
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Correct answer: D — Polymetallic nodules
India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and was designated a "Pioneer Investor".
International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed by the Indian Coast Guard on 20 September 2025, falls every year on:
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Correct answer: C — The third Saturday of September
The day is observed globally on the third Saturday of September under UNEP and SACEP; the ICG has been India's national coordinator since 2006.
International Coastal Cleanup Day is observed globally under the aegis of which bodies, with the Indian Coast Guard as India's national coordinator?
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Correct answer: A — UNEP and SACEP
The day is observed under the aegis of UNEP and SACEP; the ICG has been national coordinator since 2006.
Which research vessel was used by CMLRE to study the ecological impact of the ELSA 3 shipwreck in 2025?
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Correct answer: D — FORV Sagar Sampada
The research cruise was carried out on FORV Sagar Sampada from 2 to 12 June 2025.
After seven natural sites were added in September 2025, how many Indian properties are on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites?
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Correct answer: A — 69
The inclusion of seven natural sites raised India's count on the Tentative List from 62 to 69 properties.
Which cave serves as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age of the Holocene Epoch, as cited in the UNESCO Tentative List addition of September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Mawmluh Cave
The Meghalayan Age Caves, particularly Mawmluh Cave, serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch.
The Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam natural arch are features of which site added to UNESCO's Tentative List in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Tirumala Hills
Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh feature the Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam (natural arch), representing over 1.5 billion years of Earth's history.
Consider the following pairs of sites added to UNESCO's Tentative List in September 2025 and their states: 1. Naga Hill Ophiolite — Nagaland 2. Erra Matti Dibbalu — Kerala Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 only
Only pair 1 is correct. Naga Hill Ophiolite is in Nagaland, but Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills) is near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh; the Kerala site is Varkala Cliffs.
Consider the following statements about UNESCO's Tentative List as described in the Ministry of Culture release of 18 September 2025: 1. Inclusion in the Tentative List is a prerequisite for a site to be nominated to the World Heritage List. 2. After the September 2025 additions, cultural properties make up the largest share of India's Tentative List. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Under UNESCO's protocol, Tentative List inclusion is a prerequisite for nomination, and India's 69 properties comprise 49 cultural, 17 natural and 3 mixed sites.
Which ministry holds regulatory and stewardship responsibility for geothermal energy under the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Under the policy, regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal energy rest with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
How many geothermal projects, including pilot and resource assessment projects, had MNRE sanctioned as of the notification of the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)?
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Correct answer: C — Five
MNRE has sanctioned five projects in the sector, including pilot initiatives and resource assessment projects.
Consider the following statements about the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025): 1. It promotes R&D in retrofitting abandoned oil wells and Enhanced/Advanced Geothermal Systems. 2. It covers direct uses such as district heating and Ground Source Heat Pumps besides power generation. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the policy promotes R&D in hybrid geothermal-solar plants, retrofitting abandoned oil wells and EGS/AGS, and covers direct uses like district heating and GSHPs alongside electricity generation.
What was the theme of World Ozone Day 2025?
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Correct answer: B — From science to global action
The theme for World Ozone Day 2025 was 'From science to global action', emphasising how scientific discovery can guide policy and international cooperation.
According to UNDP's Resident Representative at the 31st World Ozone Day event, what reduction target in HCFC production and consumption has India achieved?
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Correct answer: D — 67.5%
UNDP Resident Representative Angela Lusigi said India achieved the 67.5% reduction target in HCFC production and consumption and completely phased out HCFC-141b.
World Ozone Day on 16 September commemorates the signing of which international agreement?
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Correct answer: A — Montreal Protocol
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987.
Consider the following statements about the ozone treaties: 1. The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol were the first UN treaties to achieve universal ratification. 2. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, agreed in 2016, deals with the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. On 16 September 2009 the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first UN treaties to achieve universal ratification, and the Kigali Amendment agreed on 15 October 2016 provides for the phase-down of HFCs.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1985. 2. Under the Kigali Amendment, India's HFC phase-down is to be implemented from 2028 onwards. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Vienna Convention was adopted and signed on 22 March 1985, and MoEFCC noted that the HFC phase-down under the Kigali Amendment is to be implemented from 2028 onwards.
How much financial assistance did PM Modi announce for flood-affected Uttarakhand on 11 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1,200 crore
The PM announced ₹1,200 crore for Uttarakhand after a review meeting in Dehradun; ₹1,500 crore (Himachal) and ₹1,600 crore (Punjab) were announced on 9 September.
Under which scheme will rural houses damaged by the 2025 Uttarakhand floods be rebuilt, as per the PM's announcement?
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Correct answer: C — PM Awas Yojana–Gramin 'Special Project'
Assistance will be extended under a 'Special Project' of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin, submitted by the Uttarakhand government, to rebuild damaged rural houses.
By which year does India target indigenous solar cell manufacturing, as announced by the MNRE Minister in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 2028
Pralhad Joshi said India targets indigenous solar cell manufacturing by 2028 and is moving towards domestic wafers and ingots.
As of September 2025, India's non-fossil fuel capacity had crossed about how much, against its 2030 target of 500 GW?
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Correct answer: D — 251.5 GW
Joshi said India has crossed 251.5 GW of non-fossil capacity, achieving over half of its 2030 target of 500 GW.
Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae, reported in September 2025, are new species of which organism group?
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Correct answer: A — Black aspergilli (fungi)
They are two new species of Aspergillus section Nigri, commonly known as black aspergilli, a group of filamentous fungi, found in Western Ghats soil.
Which institute's researchers identified two new Aspergillus species from the Western Ghats in 2025?
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Correct answer: C — MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
Researchers from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of DST, made the identification.
The 48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law and Policy (COLP48), held in New Delhi in September 2025, was notable because:
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Correct answer: B — It was the first time the conference was hosted in the Indian subcontinent
COLP48 was the first time in the conference's nearly five-decade history that it was hosted in the Indian subcontinent.
How much financial assistance did the Prime Minister announce for flood-affected Himachal Pradesh on 9 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1,500 crore
The PM announced ₹1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh after an aerial survey and a review meeting in Kangra; ₹1,600 crore was announced for Punjab.
Where did the Prime Minister hold the official flood review meeting in Punjab on 9 September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Gurdaspur
After the aerial survey, the PM held an official review meeting in Gurdaspur with officials and elected representatives.
Under which scheme will children orphaned by the 2025 floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab receive comprehensive support, as announced by the PM?
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Correct answer: A — PM CARES for Children scheme
The PM announced comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme for children orphaned due to the recent floods and landslides.
Consider the following statements about the PM's flood relief announcements of 9 September 2025: 1. The second instalments of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi will be released in advance. 2. Damaged houses will be geotagged under PM Awas Yojana for accurate assessment. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the releases say the second instalments of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi will be released in advance, and damaged houses will be geotagged under PM Awas Yojana for accurate damage assessment and faster aid.
Fossil leaves from which geological formation in Nagaland helped link Antarctic ice formation to the early Indian monsoon, per a DST release of September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Laisong Formation
The study used well-preserved fossil leaves, about 34 million years old, from the Laisong Formation in Nagaland.
According to the BSIP–WIHG study, how did the growth of Antarctic ice about 34 million years ago bring intense monsoon rains to Northeast India?
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Correct answer: D — By shifting the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
The research found that the growth of Antarctic ice reshaped global wind and rainfall patterns by shifting the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a major rain belt.
At which port did Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurate a green hydrogen pilot project on 5 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin
The port-based green hydrogen pilot was inaugurated at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
The pilot green methanol bunkering facility at VOC Port is aligned with a proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Tuticorin and which port?
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Correct answer: A — Kandla
The facility is aligned with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin.
According to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in September 2025, India aims to be among the world's top 10 shipbuilding nations by which year?
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Correct answer: D — 2030
Sonowal said India aims to be among the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and top 5 by 2047.
Consider the following statements about the projects at V.O. Chidambaranar Port on 5 September 2025: 1. The green hydrogen pilot will power streetlights and an EV charging station in the port colony. 2. With a new 400 kW plant, the port's rooftop solar capacity reached 1.04 MW, the highest among Indian ports. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the release: the 10 Nm³/hr pilot powers streetlights and an EV charging station, and the port's rooftop solar capacity rose to 1.04 MW, the highest among Indian ports.
In September 2025, more than 1,000 NDMA-trained 'MY Bharat Aapda Mitras' were mobilised for flood relief in which two states?
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Correct answer: C — Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
The volunteers were mobilised for relief and rescue in flood-affected Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
The 'MY Bharat Aapda Mitras' mobilised for flood relief in September 2025 were trained by which body?
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Correct answer: C — National Disaster Management Authority
The volunteers are NDMA-trained 'MY Bharat Aapda Mitras'.
Under which mission will IMD install four additional radars in Jammu and Kashmir, as announced in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Mission Mausam
Dr. Jitendra Singh said IMD will install 4 additional radars in J&K under Mission Mausam.
How many IMD radars were already operational in Jammu and Kashmir when four more were announced in September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Three
The Minister said four additional radars would be installed, with three radars already operational.
What is the outlay of the critical mineral recycling incentive scheme approved by the Union Cabinet on 3 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1,500 crore
The Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme to develop critical mineral recycling capacity.
The critical mineral recycling incentive scheme approved in September 2025 is part of which mission?
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Correct answer: C — National Critical Mineral Mission
The scheme is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), aimed at domestic capacity and supply chain resilience in critical minerals.
What share of the critical mineral recycling scheme's outlay is earmarked for small and new recyclers, including start-ups?
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Correct answer: D — One-third
One-third of the scheme outlay has been earmarked for small, new recyclers including start-ups.
Consider the following statements about the critical mineral recycling incentive scheme approved in September 2025: 1. Units engaged only in black mass production are eligible for incentives. 2. The total incentive per large entity is capped at ₹50 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The scheme covers only the value chain involved in actual extraction of critical minerals, not black mass production alone, so statement 1 is wrong. Total incentive is capped at ₹50 crore for large entities and ₹25 crore for small ones.
Which institute's study, reported in September 2025, found airborne pathogenic bacteria to be twice as high over densely populated parts of Delhi?
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Correct answer: A — Bose Institute
Scientists from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institute of DST, carried out the study.
According to the Bose Institute study on Delhi's air, airborne pathogenic bacteria hitch a ride mainly on:
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Correct answer: B — PM2.5 particles
The study found pathogenic bacteria were higher due to higher concentrations of PM2.5, whose tiny particles carry bacteria deep into the lungs.
After the avian influenza incident at the Delhi Zoo in 2025, frontline staff were screened by a team from:
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Correct answer: B — National Centre for Disease Control
Frontline staff handling the aviary, disinfection and carcass disposal were screened by a team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
What was Delhi's average AQI for January–August 2025, the best for the period in eight years (excluding 2020)?
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Correct answer: D — 172
The average AQI for January–August 2025 was 172, against 187 in 2024; 2020 (147) is excluded as the lockdown year.
Consider the following statements about Delhi's air quality in January–August 2025, as reported by MoEFCC: 1. There was no day with average AQI above 400. 2. The number of 'Satisfactory' days was lower than in 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
January–August 2025 had no day above AQI 400. It recorded 65 'Satisfactory' days, the highest excluding 2020 (48 in 2024), so statement 2 is wrong.
The magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan at the end of August 2025 mainly hit which provinces?
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Correct answer: C — Kunar and Nangarhar
Reuters reported that the quake killed 812 people in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar.
The Afghanistan earthquake of 31 August 2025 struck near which city?
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Correct answer: D — Jalalabad
AP reported that the 6.0 magnitude quake hit towns in Kunar province near the city of Jalalabad in neighbouring Nangarhar province.
What were the magnitude and depth of the Afghanistan earthquake of 31 August 2025, as reported by Reuters?
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Correct answer: C — 6.0 and 10 km
Reuters reported a magnitude 6 quake around midnight local time at a depth of 10 km.
For which of the following did the MHA constitute Inter-Ministerial Central Teams on 31 August 2025? 1. Himachal Pradesh 2. Uttarakhand 3. Punjab 4. Jammu & Kashmir Select the correct answer:
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2, 3 and 4
IMCTs were constituted, one each, for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Inter-Ministerial Central Teams constituted by the MHA on 31 August 2025 are each led by:
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Correct answer: B — A Joint Secretary-level officer of MHA/NDMA
The Central Teams are led by a senior officer of Joint Secretary level in MHA/NDMA.
Consider the following statements about the Central Teams announced by the MHA on 31 August 2025: 1. The teams include officers from the Department of Expenditure and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. 2. An IMCT and a Multi-Sectoral Team had already visited Himachal Pradesh before this announcement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The teams have officers from Expenditure, Agriculture, Jal Shakti, Power, Road Transport and Highways and Rural Development, and the release notes an IMCT and a Multi-Sectoral Team had already visited Himachal Pradesh.
The Environment Audit Rules, 2025 were notified by the Union Environment Ministry on:
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Correct answer: D — 29 August 2025
MoEFCC notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 on 29 August 2025.
Under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, which body certifies and registers environment auditors?
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Correct answer: C — Environment Audit Designated Agency
Auditors are certified and registered by the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA) notified by MoEFCC.
Under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, an individual can become a Certified Environment Auditor through:
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Correct answer: B — Recognition of Prior Learning or the National Certification Examination
Certification is through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or the National Certification Examination (NCE).
Consider the following statements about the Environment Audit Rules, 2025: 1. Registered Environment Auditors will be assigned to project entities by a random assignment method. 2. The rules replace State Pollution Control Boards as the authority for monitoring environmental compliance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the rules aim to bridge manpower and infrastructure gaps of CPCB, the Ministry's regional offices and State PCBs; The Hindu describes auditors as supplementing the work of State PCBs.
At the INCOIS–NDMA conclave in Chennai (29 August 2025), which technology was announced for trial from 1 September to alert fishermen about cyclones?
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Correct answer: B — Cell-broadcast common alerting system
NDMA member Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) said a common alerting system through cell broadcast would be trialled from 1 September; it sounds even if the phone is on silent.
Consider the following statements based on the INCOIS–NDMA conclave of 29 August 2025: 1. 'Samudra' is a weather-alert app of INCOIS and 'Sachet' is an app of NDMA. 2. More than 32 million alert messages were sent during Cyclone Biparjoy, which hit the Odisha coast in 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Cyclone Biparjoy hit the Gujarat coast in 2023.
MoSPI's workshop on 'Capacity Building of Coastal States on Development of Ocean Accounts' on 29 August 2025 was held in:
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Correct answer: C — Kochi
The workshop was held in Kochi, Kerala, with the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Kerala.
India's Ocean Ecosystem Accounts, discussed at MoSPI's Kochi workshop, are compiled in line with which framework?
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Correct answer: B — System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA)
MoSPI said the workshop aimed to improve compilation of Ocean Accounts in line with the SEEA framework, complementing GDP.
Which helicopters did the IAF press into service for flood rescue in the Jammu region and northern Punjab in August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Five Mi-17 and one Chinook
Five Mi-17 helicopters and one Chinook were pressed into service from bases in the Northern Sector.
During the IAF's flood relief operations reported on 27 August 2025, 46 stranded civilians were evacuated and over 750 kg of relief material air-dropped in which area?
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Correct answer: D — Pathankot
IAF helicopters evacuated 46 civilians and air-dropped over 750 kg of relief material in the Pathankot area, Punjab.
The landslide of 26 August 2025 on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi yatra track struck near which location?
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Correct answer: D — Adhkuwari
The landslide struck near Adhkuwari (Ardhkuwari), roughly halfway along the trek from Katra to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The three-member committee constituted on 29 August 2025 to enquire into the Vaishno Devi yatra track landslide is headed by the:
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Correct answer: B — Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, J&K
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, also chairman of the Shrine Board, constituted the committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, J&K; it is to report within two weeks.
Jodh Ghati village in Rajbagh, hit by a cloudburst on 17 August 2025 that killed five people, is in which district of Jammu and Kashmir?
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Correct answer: D — Kathua
Kathua; at least seven people in all died in the district, including two in the Janglote area.
The cloudburst at Chasoti village on 14 August 2025 occurred in which district of Jammu and Kashmir?
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Correct answer: B — Kishtwar
The cloudburst struck Chasoti village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Prime Minister expressed solidarity with those affected in Kishtwar.
Chasoti village, hit by a cloudburst on 14 August 2025, is the last motorable point on the route of which yatra?
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Correct answer: D — Machail Mata Yatra
Chasoti is the last motorable point on the route of the Machail Mata yatra; the yatra was suspended after the cloudburst.