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.
The banyan tree identified in July 2026 as the oldest accurately dated banyan, about 700 years old, is in which place?
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Correct answer: A — Munger, Bihar
A banyan tree in Munger, Bihar, about 700 years old, was identified as the oldest accurately dated banyan.
Which institute's scientists dated the Munger banyan using radiocarbon dating?
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Correct answer: C — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow
The team was led by Dr Trina Bose of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, an autonomous institute under DST.
Why could conventional dendrochronology not be used to date the Munger banyan?
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Correct answer: D — Most tropical broadleaf trees lack distinct annual growth rings
The absence of distinct annual growth rings in most tropical broadleaf trees limits conventional dendrochronology, so the team used radiocarbon dating of alpha-cellulose.
The review of below-normal rainfall chaired by Amit Shah and Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 3 July 2026 linked the situation to which phenomenon?
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Correct answer: D — El Nino
The review concerned below-normal rainfall and potential drought in parts of the country due to El Nino.
Which crops did the Home Minister suggest focusing on as alternatives that need less water, at the El Nino review of 3 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Fodder, millets and pulses
Amit Shah emphasised the need to focus on alternative low-water crops such as fodder, millets and pulses.
Which edition of the National Water Awards was launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on 3 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 7th
The Department of Water Resources launched the 7th National Water Awards on the Rashtriya Puraskar portal.
The Borjuli site, notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site for wild rice conservation (July 2026), is in which district of Assam?
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Correct answer: C — Sonitpur
The Borjuli site in Sonitpur district of Assam has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
Consider the following about the wild rice conservation project at Borjuli, Assam: 1. The species being conserved is Oryza rufipogon. 2. The project is funded by the National Rainfed Area Authority. 3. The project is implemented by ICAR-NBPGR with the Assam State Biodiversity Board. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1, 2 and 3
The NRAA-funded project 'In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon)' is implemented by ICAR-NBPGR in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board.
Which Japanese company signed a long-term offtake deal with ACME Group for green ammonia on 2 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — IHI Corporation
ACME's green ammonia deal (405 kTPA) is with IHI Corporation; the green methanol deal is with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical.
Consider the following about the National Green Hydrogen Mission: 1. The Mission was approved in January 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore. 2. Its SIGHT Programme supports production through bidding conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
The NGHM was approved in January 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, and its SIGHT Programme gives financial support through transparent bidding run by SECI.
As reported at the 19th Empowered Task Force meeting on River Ganga (2 July 2026), how many projects have been sanctioned under the Namami Gange Programme so far?
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Correct answer: C — 524
524 projects worth an estimated Rs 43,031 crore have been sanctioned, of which 363 are completed.
Who chaired the 19th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on River Ganga held on 2 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Union Minister for Jal Shakti
The 19th ETF meeting was chaired by the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil.
According to UNCTAD estimates cited by the Ports Ministry in July 2026, India's share of worldwide ship recycling in 2025 was:
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Correct answer: C — 35.4%
India's share in worldwide ship recycling rose from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025.
As of July 2026, how many Indian ship recycling facilities had completed all compliance procedures and become eligible to apply for inclusion under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation?
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Correct answer: A — Three
More than 30 yards applied, six are in the compliance process and three have completed all procedures and are eligible to apply.
With which European Commissioner did Sarbananda Sonowal review the EU recognition process for Indian ship recycling yards on 1 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Jessika Roswall
The talks were with Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.
During the 1 July 2026 survey of flood-hit Arunachal Pradesh by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Kiren Rijiju and Pema Khandu, which district was named among the areas surveyed from the air?
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Correct answer: D — Keyi Panyor
The Union Minister carried out an aerial survey of several flood-affected areas, including Keyi Panyor district.
Which Indian Coast Guard ship rescued six fishermen from the boat Manju Matha off Mangaluru on 29 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ICGS Sachet
ICG Ship Sachet intercepted the distress call and rescued all six fishermen using remote-operated lifebuoys.
The national workshop 'Tiger Re-introduction: Opportunities & Challenges', inaugurated by Bhupender Yadav in June 2026, was held at:
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Correct answer: A — Alwar
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the workshop at Alwar, Rajasthan, on 28 June 2026.
At the June 2026 tiger reintroduction workshop, the 'Road Map for Stocking Tiger-deficient Areas' was presented by:
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Correct answer: D — Wildlife Institute of India Tiger Cell
The technical session opened with a presentation by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Tiger Cell on the road map; Tiger Reserves were then identified for focused recovery by NTCA.
The Yamuna Water Project agreement signed in New Delhi on 29 June 2026 was between the governments of:
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Correct answer: D — Haryana and Rajasthan
The governments of Rajasthan and Haryana signed the agreement in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Under the Yamuna Water Project agreement of June 2026, approximately how much water will be supplied to Rajasthan from July to October?
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Correct answer: B — 580 MCM
About 580 million cubic metres of water will be supplied from the Yamuna canal to Rajasthan through three underground pipelines from July to October.
Which districts of Rajasthan will get drinking water under the Haryana-Rajasthan Yamuna Water Project agreement of June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu
The water will serve Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu districts in Rajasthan, along with the Bhiwani and Fatehabad areas in Haryana.
During PM Modi's State Visit to Seychelles (27-29 June 2026), official talks with President Patrick Herminie were held at State House in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Victoria
The talks were held at State House in Victoria, Mahe, on 28 June 2026.
What is the amount of the Line of Credit agreed between India and Seychelles during PM Modi's State Visit in June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Rs 1,250 crore
The Umbrella Line of Credit agreement between the Government of Seychelles and Exim Bank of India stands at Rs 1,250 crore, for projects under India's Special Economic Package.
Seychelles announced in June 2026 that it is joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Where is the CDRI Secretariat headquartered?
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Correct answer: D — New Delhi
CDRI, launched on India's initiative, is headquartered in New Delhi, and its Secretariat holds the status of an International Organization.
The MoU signed in June 2026 to deploy UPI digital payment infrastructure in Seychelles is between NPCI International Payments Ltd. and:
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Correct answer: B — Central Bank of Seychelles
The MoU between NPCI International Payments Ltd. and the Central Bank of Seychelles will facilitate deployment of UPI in Seychelles.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of PM Modi's State Visit to Seychelles (June 2026): 1. India and Seychelles signed an Extradition Treaty. 2. The refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard was completed. 3. The Line of Credit agreement was signed between the Government of Seychelles and NABARD. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Umbrella Line of Credit agreement was signed with the Export-Import Bank of India, not NABARD.
In Mann Ki Baat on 28 June 2026, the Prime Minister said the campaign of Assam's 'Hargila Army' to protect the Hargila bird was started by which biologist?
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Correct answer: B — Purnima Devi Barman
Biologist Purnima Devi Barman resolved to change misconceptions about the Hargila; thousands of rural women joined and are now known as the 'Hargila Army'.
The World Yogasana Championship, mentioned in Mann Ki Baat on 28 June 2026, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Ahmedabad
The Prime Minister said the World Yogasana Championship was held in Ahmedabad, where India topped the medal tally.
According to the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat (June 2026), how many medals in total did India win at the World Yogasana Championship?
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Correct answer: C — 114
India won a total of 114 medals, including 102 gold medals, and topped the medal tally.
Who conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' distinction on PM Narendra Modi on 28 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — President of Seychelles
The Presidential Distinction was conferred by the President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie.
What is the name of the Seychelles Presidential Distinction conferred on PM Modi in June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Guardian of the Blue Horizon
Modi was conferred the Presidential Distinction 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie.
Consider the following statements about the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' distinction (June 2026): 1. This was the first time the honour was bestowed. 2. The honour recognises commitment to the Blue Economy and the aspirations of Small Island Developing States. 3. Earlier honours cited in the release include the UN Champion of the Earth Award. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct as per the Prime Minister's Office release of 28 June 2026.
Where was the world's first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper–Chlorine thermochemical cycle using nuclear heat inaugurated on 26 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — IGCAR, Kalpakkam
The facility was inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
The nuclear process heat for the Cu–Cl hydrogen facility inaugurated in June 2026 comes from which reactor?
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Correct answer: D — Fast Breeder Test Reactor
The facility uses nuclear process heat generated from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at IGCAR.
The Copper–Chlorine thermochemical hydrogen production process demonstrated at Kalpakkam in June 2026 was developed indigenously by:
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Correct answer: A — Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
The Cu–Cl thermochemical process was developed indigenously by BARC, Mumbai; the facility was built jointly by BARC and IGCAR.
FBTR expertise at IGCAR laid the foundation for the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). PFBR is the flagship of which stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme?
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Correct answer: C — Second stage
DAE describes the 500 MWe PFBR as the flagship of the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.
The SOP announced by the National Biodiversity Authority on 26 June 2026 relates to notification of threatened species under which section of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002?
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Correct answer: C — Section 38
The SOP is for notification of threatened species under Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
According to the Environment Ministry (June 2026), how many species have been notified as threatened so far under the Biological Diversity Act?
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Correct answer: A — 159 plant and 173 animal species
MoEFCC has notified 159 plant species and 173 animal species as threatened species, pertaining to 17 States and 3 UTs.
Consider the following statements about Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002: 1. Section 38 empowers only the State Government to notify a species as threatened, without any role for the Centre. 2. The NBA's June 2026 SOP is meant to assist State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils in identifying threatened species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Section 38 empowers the Central Government, in consultation with the State Government, to notify threatened species (the power may be delegated to States). Statement 2 is correct.
The 150 TPD Green Urea pilot plant at Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh, used as a benchmark at the June 2026 pre-EOI meeting, was developed by:
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Correct answer: C — NETRA, the R&D wing of NTPC
The 150 TPD Green Urea pilot plant at Pudimadaka was developed by NETRA, the R&D wing of NTPC.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (Green Ammonia Mode 2A), what green ammonia procurement target has been allocated through SECI's e-reverse auction, as cited by the Department of Fertilizers in June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 7.24 lakh MT per annum
A total procurement target of 7.24 lakh MT per annum of green ammonia has been allocated through a competitive e-reverse auction managed by SECI.
What does Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR), activated by DoT in four Arunachal Pradesh districts in June 2026, allow?
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Correct answer: B — Subscribers to automatically access another available network where their home network is unavailable
ICR allows subscribers of any participating operator to automatically access another available network in locations where their home network is temporarily unavailable.
Which of the following was NOT among the four Arunachal Pradesh districts where DoT activated Intra-Circle Roaming in June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Tawang
ICR was activated in Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri and West Siang; Tawang was not among them.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga prepares Urban River Management Plans (URMPs), 13 of which were completed by June 2026, in collaboration with:
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Correct answer: B — National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)
NMCG, in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), has completed URMPs for 13 cities.
According to its first Sustainability Report highlighted on 23 June 2026, by about how much has V.O. Chidambaranar Port cut its net carbon emissions?
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Correct answer: B — About 45%
The report found net carbon emissions reduced by around 45%; renewable energy offsets nearly 94% of the energy-consumption equivalent.
Which institution's case study 'The Hydrogen Pivot', about V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, was released by Sarbananda Sonowal on 23 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — IIM Calcutta
Sonowal released the IIM Calcutta case study 'The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority'.
How many districts were identified as potentially affected by weak monsoon conditions at the Kharif preparedness review on 23 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — About 315
About 315 districts were identified: 111 high priority, 76 medium priority and 128 low priority.
In the El Niño contingency classification announced on 23 June 2026, what was the criterion for a district to be placed in the 'high priority' category?
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Correct answer: A — Irrigation coverage below 25%
The 111 high-priority districts are those with irrigation coverage below 25%; 25–50% coverage districts (76) are medium priority.
Consider the following statements about the Kharif preparedness review of 23 June 2026: 1. Rainfall so far was stated to be around 43% below normal. 2. PMFBY, KCC and PM-KISAN were named as farmers' three key safety nets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated by Shivraj Singh Chouhan after the meeting.
According to the UNCTAD report cited by the Ports Ministry on 22 June 2026, what was India's share of global ship recycling in 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 35.4%
India's share rose to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024, making it the world's top ship recycling nation.
India's ship recycling law is aligned with which international convention, ratified by India in 2019?
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Correct answer: C — Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships
The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 aligns India's ecosystem with the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC), which India ratified in 2019.
Under the Ports Ministry's Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme, ship owners receive a credit note equivalent to what share of the scrap value of a recycled ship?
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Correct answer: B — 40%
Ship owners receive a credit note equal to 40% of the scrap value, usable toward up to 5% of the value of a new vessel built at an Indian shipyard.
Consider the following statements about India's ship recycling performance, as reported on 22 June 2026: 1. Ship recycling in India rose to 2.99 million gross tons in 2025. 2. Financial assistance of ₹53.5 crore helped 115 facilities become compliant with the Hong Kong Convention. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
According to INCOIS's first specialized El Niño bulletin (22 June 2026), when is the El Niño event expected to peak?
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Correct answer: C — November 2026–January 2027
The bulletin says El Niño is expected to peak in winter, November 2026 to January 2027; marine thermal stress peaks in March–May 2027.
Which fish species did INCOIS's first El Niño bulletin (22 June 2026) flag for a likely reduction in catch?
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Correct answer: D — Sardine and mackerel
The bulletin warned of reduced fish catch, particularly sardine and mackerel, due to stock migration or lower recruitment.
Consider the following statements about INCOIS's El Niño bulletin of 22 June 2026: 1. The sea state in the Arabian Sea and on the west coast is likely to be calmer than usual. 2. Coastal erosion and flooding are likely to decrease on the east coast during the monsoon. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Bay of Bengal will stay rough, with chances of increased coastal erosion and flooding on the east coast; erosion is likely to be less on the west coast.
President Droupadi Murmu visited which national park on 21 June 2026 to review Project Cheetah?
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Correct answer: A — Kuno National Park
The President visited Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India's first cheetah reintroduction site.
Project Cheetah, launched on 17 September 2022, is spearheaded by which body?
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Correct answer: C — National Tiger Conservation Authority
Project Cheetah was launched under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Arrange the batches of cheetahs brought to Kuno National Park in the order of arrival, as given by the President's Secretariat.
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Correct answer: B — Namibia – South Africa – Botswana
The first batch came from Namibia (September 2022), the second from South Africa (February 2023) and the third from Botswana (February 2026).
NMDC's Donimalai Complex, reviewed by its senior management (reported 20 June 2026), is located in which State?
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Correct answer: B — Karnataka
The Ministry of Steel describes the Donimalai Complex as being in Karnataka.
Consider the following statements about NMDC, as reported on 20 June 2026: 1. NMDC targets 17 MTPA from the Donimalai Complex and 10 MTPA from the Kumaraswamy Mine. 2. NMDC has a vision of becoming a 50 MTPA mining company. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: NMDC's vision is to become a 100 MTPA mining company.
How much has India's Access and Benefit Sharing framework disbursed to beneficiaries so far, as stated on 20 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — About ₹145 crore
About ₹145 crore has been disbursed; over ₹266 crore has been mobilised since 2008.
Which biological resource accounted for the largest share (45%) of ABS realisation in India?
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Correct answer: D — Red Sanders
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) accounted for ₹120 crore, or 45%, of ABS realisation.
India's Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, which has reached more than 10,500 Biodiversity Management Committees, operates under which law?
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Correct answer: A — Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The ABS framework operates under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, administered by the National Biodiversity Authority.
To mark David Attenborough's centenary, MIFF 2026 screened which documentary series on 20 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Secrets of Wild India
MIFF screened 'Secrets of Wild India', directed by Duncan Chard and narrated by David Attenborough.
According to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on 17 June 2026, how much land has India brought under restoration against its 26 million hectare Bonn Challenge target?
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Correct answer: C — 21.76 million hectares
India has brought 21.76 million hectares under restoration against the target of 26 million hectares by 2030.
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June under which convention?
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Correct answer: A — UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
The day is observed every year on 17 June under the UNCCD.
Consider the following statements about the Bonn Challenge: 1. It is a global initiative launched in 2011 to restore degraded and deforested landscapes. 2. It targets bringing 350 million hectares under restoration by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated in the Environment Ministry release.
According to the Environment Ministry (June 2026), restoration activities in India have generated about how many person-days of employment?
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Correct answer: D — 1.22 billion
Restoration activities have generated around 1.22 billion person-days of employment.
According to Pralhad Joshi (June 2026), how many States have notified dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies?
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Correct answer: A — Six
Six States have notified dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies; seven others have integrated hydrogen into existing frameworks and four more are finalising policies.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, incentives have been awarded to 15 companies to set up how much indigenous electrolyser manufacturing capacity?
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Correct answer: C — 3,000 MW per annum
Financial incentives have been awarded to 15 companies to establish 3,000 MW per annum of electrolyser manufacturing capacity.
Researchers from which DST institute measured non-methane hydrocarbons at Munsyari in the Himalaya for a study released in June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
The study was by researchers from ARIES, an autonomous institute of DST.
Consider the following findings of the ARIES study at Munsyari: 1. NMHC levels were significantly higher during spring and autumn than in winter and the monsoon. 2. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and xylene contributed strongly to ozone formation. 3. Forest fires were identified as the only dominant source of NMHCs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: fuel use (LPG and diesel), vehicular emissions and local construction were the dominant contributors.