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.
Which national initiative did Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil launch at the 14th HPRB meeting of the Brahmaputra Board in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — State Water Reforms Framework
Patil launched the State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF) to strengthen water governance reforms across states and UTs.
Where was the 14th meeting of the High-Powered Review Board of the Brahmaputra Board held on 19 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Guwahati
The 14th HPRB meeting was held at Guwahati.
To what level did India and Norway elevate their relations on 18 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Green Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and PM Støre agreed in Oslo to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership.
By which year did India and Norway aim to double the value of their current bilateral trade, as agreed in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 2030
The leaders underlined the aim of doubling the value of current trade between India and Norway by 2030.
Consider the following statements about the India–Norway talks of 18 May 2026: 1. The investment commitment under the India–EFTA TEPA cited by the leaders is USD 50 billion. 2. The leaders welcomed Norway joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the TEPA investment commitment cited is USD 100 billion, with one million jobs in India. Statement 2 is correct.
According to PIB, the Afsluitdijk visited by PM Modi in May 2026 is a dam and causeway of about what length?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 32 km
PIB describes the Afsluitdijk as a 32-kilometre-long dam and causeway.
The Kalpasar project, on which India and the Netherlands agreed technical cooperation in May 2026, aims to create a freshwater reservoir across which water body?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Gulf of Khambhat
The Kalpasar project in Gujarat aims to create a freshwater reservoir across the Gulf of Khambhat.
According to a PIB backgrounder (May 2026), what is India's world rank in terms of large dams?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 3rd
India ranks third in the world with 6,628 specified dams.
Which state has the highest number of specified dams in India, as per the PIB backgrounder of May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Maharashtra
Maharashtra has the highest number of specified dams, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements: 1. Under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the National Dam Safety Authority is the apex body of the four-tier mechanism. 2. Phase I of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) was launched in April 2012 with World Bank support. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the National Committee on Dam Safety is the apex body; the NDSA is the regulatory and implementing arm. Statement 2 is correct.
From which date will only electric L5 three-wheelers be registered in Delhi under CAQM's draft direction of May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 January 2027
Draft Direction No. 100 mandates EV-only L5 three-wheeler registration in Delhi from 1 January 2027 (HVD districts 2028, rest of NCR 2029).
The CAQM issues directions such as those approved at its 28th meeting (May 2026) under Section 12 of which law?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — CAQM Act, 2021
The draft directions were approved under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021.
What target does CAQM's Draft Direction No. 99 (May 2026) set for paddy stubble burning in the NCR states in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Complete elimination
Draft Direction No. 99 sets a target of complete elimination of paddy stubble burning in the NCR states in 2026.
What does SODAR, the technology transferred by CSIR-AMPRI to industry in May 2026, stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Sound Detection and Ranging
SODAR stands for Sound Detection and Ranging; CSIR-AMPRI transferred the technology to Meteoxperts Solutions, Noida.
CSIR-AMPRI, which celebrated its 46th Foundation Day in May 2026, is based in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bhopal
AMPRI (Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute) is a Bhopal-based constituent laboratory of CSIR.
As per the Environment Ministry (May 2026), the estimated lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape in 2025 was:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 891
The lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape rose to an estimated 891 in 2025, a 32% increase over 2020.
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) works for the conservation of how many big cat species?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Seven
IBCA covers seven big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma.
Consider the following statements about the Asiatic lion: 1. Project Lion was launched by the Government of India in 2020. 2. The Asiatic lion is listed in Appendix II of CITES. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Asiatic lion is in Appendix I of CITES (and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972), not Appendix II.
What is the motto of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Aapda Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra
Amit Shah noted at the President's Colour ceremony that NDRF personnel go anywhere with the motto 'Aapda Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra'.
Where was the President's Colour presented to the NDRF on 14 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 8th Battalion, Ghaziabad
Amit Shah presented the President's Colour at a parade held at 8th Bn NDRF, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): 1. It was constituted under the Disaster Management Act, which was enacted in December 2005. 2. It was raised in 2006 with 8 battalions and now has 16 battalions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Disaster Management Act was enacted on 26 December 2005 and provided for the NDRF, which started with 8 battalions in 2006 and has expanded to 16.
For which state did IMD launch a pilot rainfall forecast at 1-km spatial resolution in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
The High Spatial Resolution Rainfall Forecast for Uttar Pradesh gives 1-km resolution forecasts up to 10 days ahead as a pilot service.
IMD's AI-enabled 'Forecast of Monsoon Advance' (May 2026) is designed to support farmers in how many states?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 16
The product supports farmers across 16 states and more than 3,000 sub-districts through the Agriculture Ministry's dissemination framework.
How many EV chargers were approved for Karnataka under the PM E-DRIVE scheme in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1,243
Proposals for 1,243 EV chargers in Karnataka with an outlay of ₹123.26 crore were approved; 4,874 is the total approved so far.
As of May 2026, proposals worth how much had been approved under PM E-DRIVE for installing 4,874 EV chargers across states and CPSEs?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹503.86 crore
Proposals worth ₹503.86 crore have been approved for 4,874 EV chargers across various states and CPSEs.
On which dates will India host the 1st International Big Cat Summit in New Delhi, as announced in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1–2 June 2026
Bhupender Yadav said India will host the 1st International Big Cat Summit on 1 and 2 June in New Delhi.
Which of the following is NOT among the seven big cats that the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) works to protect?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Clouded leopard
IBCA covers the tiger, lion, cheetah, leopard, snow leopard, jaguar and puma; the clouded leopard is not in the list.
India's first integrated CCUS field laboratory was inaugurated on 11 May 2026 at which institution?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — IIT Bombay
Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India's first integrated CCUS field laboratory at IIT Bombay under Bharat Innovates 2026.
The geological CO₂ sequestration drilling begun under the IIT Bombay CCUS field laboratory assesses storage potential in which rock formation?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Basalt of the Deccan Traps
The project is India's first pilot-scale scientific drilling to assess CO₂ storage in basalt formations of the Deccan Traps.
At the 10 May 2026 review, Amit Shah asked that the early warning system plan for high-risk lakes be expanded to cover at least how many lakes?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 60
Shah said at least 60 lakes should be included in the plan that originally covered 30 high-risk lakes.
Following the Home Minister's earlier flood reviews, the advance period of rainfall and flood forecasts by IMD and the Central Water Commission was extended:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — From 3 days to 7 days
PIB notes that IMD and CWC extended the advance period of rainfall and flood forecasts from 3 days to 7 days.
Consider the following statements about the flood and heatwave review of 10 May 2026: 1. Amit Shah suggested using the CAMPA Fund to make environmental balance efforts more multi-dimensional. 2. He asked ministries to build new apps and portals for each disaster instead of using existing ones. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Shah asked officials to consolidate and improve existing apps and portals rather than create new ones.
The 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' 2026 coastal cleanup campaign, to be held from 12 to 19 September, culminates on which day?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — International Coastal Cleanup Day
The week-long campaign from 12 to 19 September 2026 culminates on International Coastal Cleanup Day.
Which institute set up the Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory inaugurated in Chennai in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
IITM Pune, under Mission Mausam, established the observatory at SRMIST, Ramapuram, Chennai.
Mission Mausam, under which the Chennai Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory was set up, was launched in:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — September 2024
Mission Mausam was launched by the Prime Minister in September 2024 as a major scientific initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
What is the combined funding pool of the India–EU call on EV battery recycling launched in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — €15.2 million (~₹169 crore)
The call has a combined funding pool of €15.2 million (~₹169 crore).
Under which India–EU Trade and Technology Council working group was the EV battery recycling call of May 2026 launched?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Working Group 2 — Green and Clean Energy Technologies
The call was launched under TTC Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies.
CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-I across the NCR on 4 May 2026 after Delhi's average AQI improved to what level that day?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 88
Delhi's daily average AQI improved from 175 on 3 May to 88 on 4 May 2026 owing to rain, as per the CPCB bulletin.
Consider the following statements: 1. GRAP Stage-I in the NCR had been invoked by a CAQM order dated 16 April 2026. 2. The 130th meeting of CAQM's Enforcement Task Force on 4 May 2026 reviewed 174 inspections that found 61 violations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Stage-I was invoked on 16 April 2026, and the 130th ETF meeting reviewed 174 inspections (11–28 April) that found 61 violations.
What ex-gratia did the Prime Minister announce from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each person killed in the Delhi Shahdara fire of 3 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹2 lakh
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
In which Delhi locality did a residential building fire kill nine people on 3 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Vivek Vihar
The fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Vivek Vihar Phase-I, Shahdara district, killing nine people.
According to the IMD extended-range forecast cited on 2 May 2026, which weeks of May 2026 were expected to be relatively hotter, with heatwave conditions?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 8–14 May and 22–28 May
Relatively higher temperatures were expected in the second (8–14 May) and fourth (22–28 May) weeks; the first and third weeks were expected to be normal to below normal.
Consider the following statements based on the IMD outlook for May 2026 cited by the government: 1. ENSO-neutral conditions were prevailing. 2. Above-normal maximum temperatures were expected over the entire country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: ENSO-neutral conditions prevailed, and a large part of the country was expected to see normal to below-normal temperatures.
The cruise boat that capsized during a storm on 30 April 2026, killing 13 people, was in the reservoir of which dam?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bargi Dam
The MP tourism department cruise boat capsized in the Bargi Dam reservoir on the Narmada near Jabalpur.
What ex-gratia did the Prime Minister announce from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each person who died in the Jabalpur boat capsize?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹2 lakh
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
As stated on 29 April 2026, how many Doppler Weather Radars does India now operate, up from 14 in 2014?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 50
The DWR network has grown from 14 operational units in 2014 to 50, covering over 87% of the country.
Under which mission are 50 more Doppler Weather Radars planned, as per the Earth Sciences Ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Mission Mausam
The minister said 50 more DWRs are planned under Mission Mausam.
Seven people were killed on 29 April 2026 when a compound wall collapsed during heavy rain near which hospital in Bengaluru?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital
The compound wall near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Shivajinagar collapsed during heavy rain and hail.
The Gandhinagar educational campus highlighted under SBM-Urban 2.0 in April 2026 runs biogas plants with what combined capacity?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 90 cubic metres per day
The campus operates two biogas plants with a combined capacity of 90 cubic metres per day; 222 is the number of cows and 500+ the daily meals.
The MoEFCC–NBA biodiversity governance project launched in April 2026 is a joint initiative of the Government of India with which partners?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — GEF and UNDP
It is a joint initiative of the Government of India, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP, with a USD 4.88 million grant.
Under the MoEFCC–NBA project, which protected areas form the Meghalaya landscape in the Garo Hills?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary
The Garo Hills landscape covers Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary; Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam form the Tamil Nadu landscape.
Consider the following statements about the MoEFCC–NBA project 'Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments': 1. It runs for the period 2025–2030. 2. In Meghalaya, it works through Village Employment Councils, described as an equivalent of gram panchayats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the MoEFCC release.
The 'Goda to Narmada' Jal Yatra launched by Maharashtra in April 2026 marks the 300th birth anniversary of:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ahilyabai Holkar
The yatra (25–29 April 2026) commemorates the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar.
From where did Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launch the 'Goda to Narmada' Jal Yatra on 25 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Trimbakeshwar
Fadnavis launched the yatra from Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district; a parallel leg began from Chondi, Ahilyabai Holkar's birthplace, and the legs were to meet at Shirdi.
According to IMD's heatwave guidance of 25 April 2026, the highest maximum temperature of 44.5°C was recorded at:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
IMD said the highest temperature of 44.5°C was recorded at Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.
The India Meteorological Department, which issued heatwave guidance in April 2026, functions under:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ministry of Earth Sciences
The PIB release describes IMD as functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary, designated India's 99th Ramsar site (announced April 2026), is located in which district?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Aligarh
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary is in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh.
With the designation of Shekha Jheel in April 2026, Uttar Pradesh's tally of Ramsar sites rose to:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 12
The minister said Shekha Jheel took India's total to 99 and Uttar Pradesh's tally to 12.
Consider the following statements about Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary: 1. It is a stopover on the Central Asian Flyway for birds such as the Bar-headed Goose and Painted Stork. 2. According to its Ramsar Information Sheet, its date of designation is 19 January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the minister described it as a Central Asian Flyway stopover, and the Ramsar Information Sheet lists the designation date as 19 January 2026.
The fireworks unit at Mundathikode, where a deadly blast occurred on 21 April 2026, was preparing fireworks for which festival?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Thrissur Pooram
The unit was making fireworks for the Thiruvambady side of Thrissur Pooram.
What ex-gratia from the PMNRF did the Prime Minister announce for the next of kin of each person killed in the Thrissur fireworks blast?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹2 lakh
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The bus that rolled down a hillside in Udhampur district on 20 April 2026, killing 21, was travelling between which places?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Ramnagar and Udhampur
The bus was travelling from Ramnagar to Udhampur when it went off the road near Kagort village.
From which fund did the Prime Minister announce ex-gratia for the victims of the Udhampur bus accident of April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Prime Minister's National Relief Fund
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The fireworks unit explosion of 19 April 2026 that killed 25 workers took place in which district of Tamil Nadu?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Virudhunagar
The blast occurred at the Vanaja Fireworks unit in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district.
Consider the following statements about the Virudhunagar fireworks blast of April 2026: 1. According to the district Collector, the unit was operating on a Sunday without permission. 2. A second explosion occurred during the rescue operation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Collector said the unit was working on a Sunday without permission, and a second blast during rescue injured police personnel and firemen.