Environment & Ecology Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In October 2026, the first tigress under a Tiger Reintroduction Programme was released in which tiger reserve?
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Correct answer: B — Buxa
The tigress was released in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, on 2 October 2026.
The tigress released in Buxa Tiger Reserve in October 2026 was translocated from which reserve?
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Correct answer: B — Valmiki Tiger Reserve
The tigress was translocated from Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar.
In which year was Buxa declared a Tiger Reserve?
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Correct answer: B — 1983
Buxa was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983.
Green Energy Corridor Phase-III, approved by the Cabinet in September 2026, aims to enable evacuation of up to how much renewable energy through intra-state transmission?
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Correct answer: D — 135 GW
GEC-III will strengthen the Intra-State Transmission System to evacuate up to 135 GW of renewable energy.
How much Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity is provided under Green Energy Corridor Phase-III?
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Correct answer: D — 50 GWh
The scheme provides for deployment of 50 GWh of BESS, with ₹50,000 crore earmarked for it.
What is the total outlay of Green Energy Corridor Phase-III approved on 30 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1,86,405 crore
Total outlay is ₹1,86,405 crore (₹1,36,378 crore InSTS + ₹50,000 crore BESS); ₹54,082 crore is the Central Financial Support.
Consider the following statements about Green Energy Corridor Phase-III: 1. State Transmission Utilities will be the overall implementing agency. 2. The scheme is targeted to be set up by FY 2029-30. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
State Transmission Utilities are the overall implementing agency, but the scheme's target year is FY 2032-33, not 2029-30.
What is the approved outlay of National Coastal Mission 2.0, whose guidelines were launched in September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹767 crore
NCM 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme with an approved outlay of ₹767 crore, to be implemented till 2030-31.
National Coastal Mission 2.0 will be implemented across how many coastal States and Union Territories?
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Correct answer: A — 9 States and 4 UTs
NCM 2.0 will be implemented till 2030-31 across nine coastal States and four Union Territories.
Which Union Ministry notified the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms for passenger vehicles in September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Power
The Ministry of Power notified the new CAFE norms, effective from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032.
Consider the following statements about the new CAFE norms notified in September 2026: 1. They tighten the fuel-consumption benchmark by around 16.7% over five years. 2. The reference weight has been reduced from 1,229 kg to 1,082 kg. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The benchmark tightens from 3.996 to 3.3273 L/100 km (~16.7%); the reference weight was increased from 1,082 kg to 1,229 kg, not reduced.
What was Delhi's monthly average AQI for September 2026, the lowest September figure in five years?
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Correct answer: B — 102
Delhi's September 2026 average AQI was 102, against 105 in 2025, 105 in 2024, 108 in 2023 and 104 in 2022.
The PRAMAAN certificates handed over in September 2026 are issued under which scheme?
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Correct answer: D — Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme
PRAMAAN certificates are issued under the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS), launched by MoEFCC in December 2023.
Which institution is the operating agency of the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal
The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal is the scheme's operating agency and organised the event.
Consider the following statements about the first PRAMAAN certificates (2026): 1. One was given to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation for 33,000 hectares of plantations. 2. The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme was launched in December 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: APFDC was certified for 33,000 ha, and MoEFCC launched IFWCS in December 2023.
How many actions does the revised GRAP schedule for NCR, approved by CAQM in September 2026, contain in total?
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Correct answer: C — 48
The revised schedule has 48 actions: 25 in Stage-I, 8 in Stage-II, 10 in Stage-III and 5 in Stage-IV.
Under the revised GRAP, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers were extended to which additional district?
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Correct answer: A — Sonipat
The curbs were extended to Sonipat, in addition to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
Consider the following statements about the revised GRAP schedule (2026): 1. Stage-I has the largest number of actions. 2. Actions on DG sets were moved from Stage-I to Stage-II. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: Stage-I has 25 of the 48 actions. Statement 2 is wrong: DG-set actions were moved from Stage-II to Stage-I.
Who received the lifetime award at the 4th Eco Warrior Awards for forest officers in September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — B. K. Singh
B. K. Singh received the lifetime award; 15 forest officers were honoured at the 4th edition.
COFO, whose 28th session was held in Rome in September–October 2026, is a committee of which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — FAO
COFO is the Committee on Forestry of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
As stated by India at COFO 28, what share of India's geographical area is under forest and tree cover?
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Correct answer: C — 25.17%
India's forest and tree cover is 82.74 million hectares, or 25.17% of its geographical area.
Under the Bonn Challenge, India has committed to restore how much degraded and deforested land by 2030?
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Correct answer: B — 26 million ha
India's Bonn Challenge target is 26 million ha by 2030, of which 21.76 million ha are already under restoration.
Consider the following statements made by India at COFO 28: 1. The FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 ranks India 3rd in net annual forest area gain. 2. India has 101 Ramsar sites. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: FRA 2025 ranks India 9th in forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain, and India has 101 Ramsar sites.
According to the 138th Mann Ki Baat (27 September 2026), data of how many families had been recorded in the first phase of the census?
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Correct answer: C — Over 32 crore
The PM said data of over 32 crore families had already been recorded in the first phase.
In Mann Ki Baat of September 2026, the PM said elephants have returned to which wildlife sanctuary in Assam after encroachment was cleared?
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Correct answer: B — Sonai Rupai
Elephants returned to Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary three years after the land was cleared of encroachment.
Consider the following statements from the 138th Mann Ki Baat: 1. Ashok Singhal was born on 27 September 1926 in Agra. 2. Assam's pygmy hog programme began with six animals and the population is now over 190. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated by the PM.
Which cycle of the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves (MEE-TR) was launched in September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 6th
The inception workshop on 25 September 2026 marked the start of the 6th cycle, covering all 58 tiger reserves.
Which new separate evaluation criterion will MEE-TR 2026 introduce for tiger reserves?
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Correct answer: A — Solid Waste Management
MEE-TR 2026 introduces 'Solid Waste Management' as a separate evaluation criterion.
What is the theme of the 9th India International Water Week 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Climate Resilient Water Management
The 9th IIWW (22–26 September 2026) is centred on the theme 'Climate Resilient Water Management'.
Who inaugurated the 9th India International Water Week at Bharat Mandapam on 22 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the five-day event organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
As per the Prime Minister's World Rhino Day 2026 message, which state holds nearly 80% of the world's rhino population?
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Correct answer: D — Assam
The Prime Minister noted that Assam now holds nearly 80% of the world's rhino population.
Where has the reintroduction of rhinos been described as 'creating history' in the PM's World Rhino Day 2026 message?
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Correct answer: A — Dudhwa, Uttar Pradesh
The Prime Minister said the successful reintroduction of rhinos in Dudhwa, Uttar Pradesh, is creating history.
Consider the following about Project Rhino, shared on World Rhino Day 2026: 1. Project Rhino provides financial and technical support to rhino range states. 2. Genetic improvement is one of the areas covered by Project Rhino. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Project Rhino supports range states in protection, habitat management, genetic improvement and understanding population dynamics.
The Tokay gecko, 86 of which were seized by DRI in Assam in September 2026, is listed under which CITES Appendix?
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Correct answer: C — Appendix II
The Tokay gecko is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and in Appendix II of CITES.
Where was the WWF Global Conservation Conference inaugurated on 21 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Jaipur
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the conference in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
As stated by Bhupender Yadav in September 2026, how many Ramsar sites does India now have, up from 24 a decade ago?
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Correct answer: C — 101
The Minister said Ramsar sites have gone up from 24 to 101 in the last decade.
Consider the following figures cited by the Environment Minister at the WWF conference: 1. Tiger reserves rose from 47 to 58 in the last decade. 2. Elephant reserves rose from 30 to 33 in the same period. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both figures were cited by the Minister, along with protected areas rising from about 750 to over 1,000.
Which body organised the international conference 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics' whose valedictory session President Murmu addressed on 20 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — National Green Tribunal
The two-day conference was organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi.
As per Power Minister Manohar Lal at the NGT conference in September 2026, non-fossil sources make up roughly what share of India's installed generation capacity?
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Correct answer: B — 55%
Manohar Lal said non-fossil sources account for nearly 55% of installed capacity, after the 50% target was met five years early.
Who is the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal, as per the September 2026 conference release?
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Correct answer: D — Justice Prakash Shrivastava
Justice Prakash Shrivastava, NGT Chairperson, gave the valedictory address; Justice B.V. Nagarathna is a Supreme Court judge.
Consider the following about the conference 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics' (September 2026): 1. The conference was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. President Murmu stressed climate resilience through community-based adaptation rooted in traditional knowledge. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The conference was organised by the National Green Tribunal, not the Environment Ministry.
Where did PM Modi inaugurate the NGT's International Conference on 'The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics' on 19 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
The conference was inaugurated at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
As per PM Modi at the NGT conference in September 2026, how do India's per capita carbon emissions compare with the global average?
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Correct answer: C — Less than half the global average
PM Modi said India's per capita carbon emissions are less than half the global average.
Consider the following about the NGT conference inaugurated on 19 September 2026: 1. The conference was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam. 2. PM Modi said India's per capita carbon emissions are above the global average. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The conference was inaugurated at Vigyan Bhawan, and PM Modi said India's per capita emissions are less than half the global average.
The 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar' 5.0 coastal clean-up (12–19 September 2026) covered how many locations?
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Correct answer: D — 231 locations in 13 States/UTs
The clean-up covered 231 locations across 13 States/UTs.
How many people took the Ocean Conservation Pledge during 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar' 5.0?
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Correct answer: A — 15 lakh
15 lakh people took the Ocean Conservation Pledge.
What was the theme of the 32nd World Ozone Day celebrated in Mumbai on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Global Action for a Cooler Planet
The theme was 'Global Action for a Cooler Planet'.
Which two digital platforms were launched on World Ozone Day 2026 in Mumbai?
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Correct answer: D — Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh launched India's Net Zero Portal and the NAPCC Dashboard.
How many ITIs were adopted by refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) manufacturers, as announced on World Ozone Day 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 248
248 ITIs were adopted by 12 RAC manufacturers to align technician training with industry standards.
Consider the following about India's Net Zero Portal launched on 16 September 2026: 1. It is a platform for voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments by entities. 2. Reporting of Scope 3 emissions on the portal is mandatory. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Scope 1 and 2 reporting is encouraged, while Scope 3 reporting remains voluntary.
Where did the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 conclude on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gandhinagar
WCEF2026 concluded in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, after two days.
Which logo was launched at the closing session of the World Circular Economy Forum 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Ecomark logo
The closing session featured the launch of the Ecomark logo.
How many of the 22 industrial units inspected by CAQM in Hapur on 15 September 2026 were found non-compliant?
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Correct answer: B — 16
16 of the 22 units were non-compliant; 12 show cause notices were issued.
How many show cause notices did CAQM issue after its Hapur inspection drive?
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Correct answer: D — 12
Based on the inspection, CAQM issued 12 show cause notices.
Consider the following about the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 1. It was constituted under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. 2. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The CAQM Act, 2021 is administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Where did Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurate a Great Indian Bustard Soft Release Centre on 14 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Naliya, Kachchh
The GIB Soft Release Centre was inaugurated at Naliya in Kachchh district, Gujarat.
What is the 'jump-start' intervention used for Great Indian Bustards in Kachchh?
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Correct answer: B — Replacing infertile eggs of wild females with viable eggs from conservation breeding
Infertile eggs laid by wild GIB females were replaced with viable eggs from the conservation breeding programme.
The Sayara Van Kavach inaugurated in Kachchh on 14 September 2026 was developed using which method?
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Correct answer: A — Miyawaki method
The 9.46 sq km Sayara Van Kavach follows the Miyawaki method of dense, multi-layered afforestation.
Consider the following about the Great Indian Bustard: 1. It is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. Habitat work in Kachchh includes removing the invasive Prosopis juliflora from grasslands. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The GIB is in Schedule I of the 1972 Act, giving it the highest legal protection, and about 11 sq km of Kachchh grassland has been cleared of Prosopis juliflora.
'EcoSense', a student scholarship for waste-management action under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, is an initiative of which State?
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Correct answer: B — Kerala
EcoSense (Student Green Brigade Scholarship) is run by Kerala's Local Self Government Department with the General Education Department.
Which institution prepared the Gujarat Action Plan for Great Indian Bustard Conservation released on 13 September 2026, with the Gujarat Forest Department?
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Correct answer: B — Wildlife Institute of India
The plan was prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department.
Which two sites have been identified as future cheetah release sites under Project Cheetah, as stated at the Bhuj review?
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Correct answer: D — Banni Grasslands and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
Banni Grasslands in Gujarat and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh are the future release sites.
According to the review on 13 September 2026, what is India's current cheetah population?
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Correct answer: D — 52
The population has grown from 29 founder cheetahs to 52, including 49 cubs born in India.
Consider the following about Project Cheetah: 1. It began on 17 September 2022 with the release of eight cheetahs from Namibia in Kuno National Park. 2. Protected cheetah habitat now spans Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Eight Namibian cheetahs were released in Kuno on 17 September 2022, and protected habitat now covers 3,428 sq km across Kuno and Gandhi Sagar.
Which portal did Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launch at the mangrove workshop in Bhuj on 13 September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Mangrove GIS (MGIS) Portal
He launched the Mangrove GIS (MGIS) Portal to support science-based decisions and monitoring of mangroves.
The Guneri mangroves of Kachchh, whose village Biodiversity Management Committee was felicitated on 13 September 2026, are notable because they are:
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Correct answer: B — Inland mangroves growing away from the coast
The Guneri inland mangroves are a rare ecosystem thriving away from the coast.
Consider the following about MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes): 1. It was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 and launched on World Environment Day, 5 June 2023. 2. Gujarat has already exceeded its 2023–27 MISHTI target. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. MISHTI was launched on 5 June 2023 after the Budget 2023-24 announcement. Gujarat has covered 27,652 ha against a target of 29,250 ha, so it has not yet met the target.
The Tara (Revised) coal block, whose auction the Coal Ministry clarified on 11 September 2026, is located in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Chhattisgarh
Tara lies in the Hasdeo Arand area of Chhattisgarh.
Coal blocks in the Hasdeo Arand area were kept out of auctions because they overlapped with which elephant corridor?
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Correct answer: A — Lemru Elephant Corridor
Blocks overlapping the Lemru Elephant Corridor were not offered; Tara was auctioned after the state said it lies outside the corridor.
Consider the following about the Tara (Revised) coal block: 1. It was successfully auctioned in the 7th tranche of commercial coal mine auctions in 2023. 2. It was auctioned at a revenue share of 37.50% after receiving nine bids. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Tara was withdrawn from the 7th tranche in July 2023 and was auctioned in the 15th round, drawing nine bids at a 37.50% revenue share.
Where was the first Regional Review Conference on implementation of the Forest Rights Act held on 10 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Bengaluru
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs held the conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with the five southern States.
As of 30 June 2026, about how many Individual Forest Rights titles had been distributed nationally under the FRA?
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Correct answer: C — About 25.42 lakh
About 25.42 lakh titles had been distributed over nearly 238 lakh acres, against over 54 lakh claims received.
Consider the following about the Forest Rights Act review in Bengaluru (September 2026): 1. The conference covered five southern States including Telangana and Kerala. 2. States were asked to prioritise recognition of habitat rights of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana took part, and States were urged to prioritise PVTG habitat rights among other steps.
Bakhira Lake, whose sediments were used in a BSIP monsoon study reported in September 2026, is located in which state?
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Correct answer: B — Uttar Pradesh
Bakhira Lake is in Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh.
Bakhira Lake is an oxbow wetland formed by the cut-off of which river?
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Correct answer: A — Rapti
The lake lies in the Ghaghara–Rapti alluvial system and formed through the migration and cut-off of the Rapti River.
Consider the following about the Bakhira Lake study (2026): 1. Bakhira Lake was designated a Ramsar Site in 2022. 2. The record shows a strengthened Indian Summer Monsoon during the Last Glacial Maximum. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Bakhira became a Ramsar Site in 2022; the Last Glacial Maximum was cold and dry with a weakened monsoon.
What was the predecessor of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), as recalled by Amit Shah on 10 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — National Centre for Disaster Management
Shah said NIDM's predecessor, the National Centre for Disaster Management, was revived in 2003 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
How many live Indian star tortoises did the DRI seize in Bengaluru, as reported on 9 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 180
DRI recovered 180 live Indian star tortoises concealed in six cloth covers near Gandhinagar, Bengaluru.
Consider the following about the DRI wildlife seizures reported on 9 September 2026: 1. The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. The leopard pelt was seized at Jeypore in Koraput district of Odisha. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. WCCB identified the tortoises as Geochelone elegans, a Schedule I species, and one leopard pelt was recovered at Jeypore, Koraput.