Environment & Ecology Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Under the NCR Regional Plan-2041, how many semi-greenfield 'Namo Cities' are proposed, as per the NCRPB's 42nd meeting (June 2026)?
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Correct answer: D — Four
Four semi-greenfield cities described as Namo Cities are proposed under Regional Plan-2041.
Who chaired the 42nd meeting of the National Capital Region Planning Board on 16 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Manohar Lal
The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, who is Chairman of the NCRPB.
What is the area of the National Capital Region, as stated by MoHUA in June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 55,083 sq km
The NCR spans 55,083 sq km across the NCT of Delhi and 27 districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements about the National Capital Region (NCR) as described at the NCRPB's 42nd meeting: 1. The NCR includes the NCT of Delhi and 27 districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. 2. The NCR contributes about 8% of India's GDP. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the MoHUA release.
According to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on 14 June 2026, the captive stock of Great Indian Bustards under Project GIB has reached how many birds?
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Correct answer: C — 94
The captive stock grew to 94 birds after three new chicks.
How many Great Indian Bustard chicks have hatched so far in the fourth year of captive breeding (as of 14 June 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 26
In the fourth year of captive breeding, 26 chicks have hatched so far.
Consider the following statements about Project Great Indian Bustard (June 2026): 1. Of the chicks hatched in the fourth year of captive breeding, 18 came through artificial insemination. 2. Three chicks have hatched in the wild in Rajasthan through a 'jumpstart' intervention. 3. All chicks hatched this year came from wild-collected eggs. 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: only four of the 26 chicks came from wild-collected eggs.
Under which provision has the National Biodiversity Authority reconstituted its Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity (June 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The committee was reconstituted under Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, for one year.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity (June 2026): 1. It has been reconstituted for a period of one year. 2. Dr P. L. Gautam, a former Chairperson of both the NBA and PPVFRA, is its Chair. 3. The Chairperson of PPVFRA serves as its Co-Chair. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are stated in the Ministry of Environment release. The committee has advised the NBA since 2005.
Air India Flight AI-171, the subject of an AAIB interim statement on 12 June 2026, was which aircraft type?
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Correct answer: D — Boeing 787-8
AI-171 was a Boeing 787-8 operating from Ahmedabad to London.
Which ICAO Annex sets the international standards under which the AAIB is investigating the AI-171 accident?
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Correct answer: B — Annex 13
The investigation follows the standards and recommended practices of ICAO Annex 13.
Consider the following statements about the AI-171 accident investigation: 1. The AAIB is investigating under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017. 2. The Final Report will be released after the international review and consultation prescribed under ICAO Annex 13. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the AAIB interim statement of 12 June 2026.
CSIR-CRRI signed an MoA on 10 June 2026 with the PWD of which state to implement the CAQM framework on paving and greening of urban roads?
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Correct answer: C — Uttar Pradesh
The MoA was signed with the PWD, Government of Uttar Pradesh, for the UP part of the NCR.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), whose framework on urban roads is being implemented in UP, derives its statutory basis from:
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Correct answer: B — The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021
CAQM is constituted under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 (Act 29 of 2021), administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
On 8 June 2026, India adopted the Rules of Implementation of the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) with which country?
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Correct answer: B — Japan
India and Japan adopted the Rule of Implementation of the JCM on 8 June 2026.
The India–Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism operates under which provision of the Paris Agreement?
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Correct answer: D — Article 6.2
The Rule of Implementation was adopted under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
Consider the following statements about Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: 1. Article 6.2 provides accounting and reporting guidance for Parties to use internationally transferred mitigation outcomes towards their NDCs. 2. Article 6.8 establishes a new UNFCCC mechanism to trade high-quality carbon credits. 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: Article 6.4 establishes the new UNFCCC crediting mechanism; Article 6.8 covers non-market approaches (UNFCCC).
Where was a new Regional Meteorological Centre launched on 8 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Lucknow
Dr Jitendra Singh and CM Yogi Adityanath launched the new RMC at Lucknow.
According to Dr Jitendra Singh on 8 June 2026, how many Doppler Weather Radars does India's network have now?
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Correct answer: A — 50
India had 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014; the network has now expanded to 50.
Consider the following statements: 1. India had 17 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014. 2. About 50 more Doppler Weather Radars are proposed under Mission Mausam, taking the total to nearly 100 over the next two years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both figures were stated by Dr Jitendra Singh at the Lucknow launch.
The Haryana urban road dust project under the CSIR-CRRI MoA of 8 June 2026 will be implemented jointly by CSIR-CRRI and:
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Correct answer: C — School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
The project will be implemented jointly by CSIR-CRRI and SPA New Delhi with the Haryana Government under CAQM guidance.
What is the 'NZP Saathi App' launched on 7 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — A smart digital zoo guide for the National Zoological Park, New Delhi
NZP Saathi is a smart digital zoo guide for the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, launched by MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Which country hosted the official global commemoration of World Environment Day 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Azerbaijan
UNEP: the Republic of Azerbaijan hosted World Environment Day 2026, with the official commemoration in Baku.
The UNEP campaign for World Environment Day 2026 focused on which theme?
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Correct answer: C — Climate action
UNEP's 2026 edition focused on climate change, with the theme climate action and campaign #NowForClimate.
Which country will host World Environment Day 2027, as announced by UNEP?
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Correct answer: B — Serbia
UNEP's 5 June 2026 press release states that World Environment Day 2027 will be hosted by Serbia.
Consider the following statements: 1. World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972. 2. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign was launched by the Prime Minister on World Environment Day 2024 by planting a peepal sapling at Buddha Jayanti Park, Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Statement 1 is from UNEP; statement 2 is from the PIB release of 5 June 2024.
Which wetland was designated as India's 100th Ramsar site, as hailed by the Prime Minister on 5 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)
The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, is India's 100th Ramsar site.
Surha Tal, India's 100th Ramsar site, is located in which district?
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Correct answer: D — Ballia
Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary) is in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was adopted in 1971 in which country?
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Correct answer: A — Iran
Ramsar.org: the Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Ramsar Convention came into force in 1975. 2. Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, India's 100th Ramsar site, is in Bihar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct per ramsar.org. Statement 2 is wrong: the sanctuary (Surha Tal) is in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
The Regional Meteorological Centre inaugurated in Jammu on 5 June 2026 is India's:
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Correct answer: B — Seventh
The Jammu facility is the country's seventh Regional Meteorological Centre.
The new Regional Meteorological Centre at Jammu will serve which of the following?
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Correct answer: C — J&K, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh
The Jammu RMC will serve Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
Under Mission Mausam, how many additional Doppler Weather Radars have been proposed for Jammu & Kashmir, as stated on 5 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Five
Five additional DWRs are proposed for Anantnag, Rajouri, Baramulla, Kishtwar and Doda; four already operate at Jammu, Srinagar, Leh and Banihal Top.
On 5 June 2026, the Prime Minister launched development projects worth over ₹18,800 crore in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Surat
The projects in the road, power and industrial sectors were launched in Surat, Gujarat.
The ESIC hospital virtually inaugurated by the Prime Minister in Surat on 5 June 2026 has how many beds?
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Correct answer: B — 220
The Labour Ministry release describes it as ESIC's 220-bedded hospital in Surat.
In his Surat address of 5 June 2026, the Prime Minister recalled that Gujarat set up India's first Climate Change Department in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2009
The PIB release quotes the PM recalling Gujarat's first Climate Change Department in 2009, alongside the Charanka Solar Park.
How many Namo Oxygen Parks were inaugurated across Delhi on World Environment Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 18
Bhupender Yadav and Rekha Gupta inaugurated eighteen Namo Oxygen Parks across Delhi.
Which of the following was released along with the inauguration of Namo Oxygen Parks in Delhi on 5 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Delhi Bird Atlas
The Working Plan for NCT Delhi, the Asola Bhatti Sanctuary Management Plan and the Delhi Bird Atlas were released.
The E85 fuel rollout launched on 5 June 2026 began at how many public sector OMC retail outlets?
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Correct answer: D — 48
The rollout commenced at 48 public sector OMC retail outlets.
E85 fuel, launched on 5 June 2026, contains what share of ethanol?
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Correct answer: A — 80–85 per cent
E85 comprises 80–85 per cent ethanol and 14–19 per cent petrol, for flex-fuel vehicles.
Consider the following statements about the E85 rollout announced on 5 June 2026: 1. E85 is priced nearly ₹20 per litre lower than conventional petrol. 2. The rollout is planned to reach about 5,000 outlets by December 2026. 3. Ethanol blending in petrol has risen from 1.53 per cent in 2014 to 20 per cent. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The plan is 500 outlets by December 2026 and about 5,000 by December 2027.
The scheme approved by the Cabinet on 3 June 2026 to replace old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR has a total outlay of:
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Correct answer: A — ₹9,585 crore
The total outlay is ₹9,585 crore, including ₹5,041 crore from the Centre and about ₹1,601 crore in State tax concessions.
Under the Delhi-NCR vehicle replacement scheme approved in June 2026, trucks and buses complying with which emission norms are targeted for replacement?
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Correct answer: C — BS-IV or earlier
The scheme incentivises replacing trucks and buses that comply with BS-IV or earlier norms with BS-VI or stricter vehicles, or EVs.
Consider the following statements about the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), which funds the June 2026 vehicle replacement scheme: 1. It was constituted under an Act of Parliament of 1985, enacted with the concurrence of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. 2. The National Capital Region covers more districts of Uttar Pradesh than of Haryana. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct per NCRPB. Statement 2 is wrong: the NCR covers 14 districts of Haryana, 8 of Uttar Pradesh and 2 of Rajasthan besides the NCT of Delhi.
At the launch of Hero MotoCorp's first flex-fuel motorcycles on 3 June 2026, Nitin Gadkari said flex-fuel technology can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by about:
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Correct answer: D — 77 per cent
Gadkari said adoption of the technology can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 77 per cent.
Scientists of which institute reconstructed nearly 4,000 years of climate history of Majuli Island, as reported on 1 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow
The study was carried out by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, an autonomous DST institute.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority realise through the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism in FY 2025–26?
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Correct answer: C — ₹21.26 crore
NBA realised ₹21.26 crore under ABS in 2025–26; ₹11.75 crore was the seed sector's share.
Which sector was the largest contributor to the National Biodiversity Authority's ABS receipts in FY 2025–26?
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Correct answer: B — Seed
The seed sector was the largest contributor with ₹11.75 crore, followed by AYUSH with ₹5.56 crore.
While fighting the Kasauli forest fire in May 2026, the Indian Air Force achieved which first?
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Correct answer: D — First night Bambi Bucket operations using Night Vision Goggles
In a first for the IAF, night Bambi Bucket operations were undertaken using Night Vision Goggles.
For the Kasauli firefighting operation (May 2026), IAF helicopters sourced water from which lake?
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Correct answer: B — Sukhna Lake
Water was sourced from Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, 2,000–2,500 litres per sortie.
As per IMD's updated forecast of 29 May 2026, the 2026 southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is likely to be what percentage of the Long Period Average?
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Correct answer: B — 90%
IMD forecast seasonal rainfall at 90% of the LPA with a model error of ±4%.
The Long Period Average (LPA) of India's southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall, based on 1971–2020 data, is:
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Correct answer: B — 87 cm
IMD states that the LPA of seasonal rainfall over the country based on 1971–2020 data is 87 cm.
Consider the following statements about IMD's updated monsoon forecast (May 2026): 1. El Niño conditions are likely to develop during the monsoon season. 2. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to develop during the season. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
IMD said El Niño is likely to develop during the season, while neutral IOD conditions are likely to continue.
IMD's 2026 updated forecast gave what probability for below-normal or less rainfall for the country as a whole?
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Correct answer: C — 84%
The five-category probability forecast suggests an 84% probability of below normal or less rainfall.
Under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, which city created nearly 32,000 rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge structures in 2025, as highlighted by the Jal Shakti Ministry in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Raipur
Raipur, Chhattisgarh, created nearly 32,000 rainwater harvesting and recharge structures in 2025 under JSJB.
The Bhalswa dumpsite in Delhi, reviewed by Union Minister Manohar Lal in May 2026, was adopted by him under which initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0?
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Correct answer: B — Dumpsite Remediation and Action Plan (DRAP)
The Minister adopted Bhalswa under DRAP, a mission-mode programme under SBM-U 2.0 targeting 'Lakshya Zero Dumpsites'.
ALMM List-II, whose 1 June 2026 deadline MNRE decided not to extend across the board, applies to:
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Correct answer: B — Solar PV cells
The decision concerns ALMM List-II for solar PV cells.
The Department of Expenditure's Office Memorandum of 29.04.2026, considered by MNRE, suggested time extensions of what duration based on specific situations?
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Correct answer: C — Not less than two months and not more than four months
The OM advised treating the West Asia situation as war and suggested extensions of not less than two months and not more than four months, case by case.
How many mineral blocks were auctioned in FY 2025-26, a record for a single financial year, as per the Ministry of Mines (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — 212
A record 212 mineral blocks were auctioned in FY 2025-26; 108 were auctioned in FY 2015-16 to 2020-21 and 364 in FY 2021-22 to 2024-25.
Of the mineral blocks auctioned in FY 2025-26, how many were critical and strategic mineral blocks?
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Correct answer: D — 22
The record FY 2025-26 tally includes the auction of 22 critical and strategic mineral blocks.
Which institute's researchers found molecular evidence of ancient Gondwana wildfires preserved in coal, as reported in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences
Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute of DST, carried out the study.
Consider the following statements about the BSIP palaeofire study (May 2026): 1. It found evidence of wildfires in Gondwana forests nearly 250 million years ago. 2. It combined palynofacies analysis with Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The study used palynofacies analysis with Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and found evidence of wildfires in Gondwana forests nearly 250 million years ago.
What ex-gratia did the Prime Minister announce from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each person who died in the Karwar district mishap on 24 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹2 lakh
PM Modi announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured; the Karnataka CM announced ₹5 lakh separately.
The drowning of shellfish collectors on 24 May 2026 took place near Shirali in which taluk of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka?
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Correct answer: D — Bhatkal
The incident took place near Shirali in Bhatkal taluk of Uttara Kannada district.
What was the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, as celebrated in India?
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Correct answer: D — Acting Locally for Global Impact
The national event at IIFM Bhopal was based on the theme 'Acting Locally for Global Impact'.
Where was the national-level celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 held?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal
Bhupender Yadav and CM Mohan Yadav presided over the national celebration and a cheetah conservation event at IIFM, Bhopal.
The First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit, postponed in May 2026, was originally scheduled for:
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Correct answer: B — 1 June 2026, New Delhi
The Summit was scheduled for 1 June 2026 in New Delhi, in conjunction with the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit.
Consider the following statements: 1. The First IBCA Summit was to be held in Kolkata. 2. The decision to hold the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit later was taken by India alone, without consulting the African Union. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
The IBCA Summit was to be held in New Delhi, and the IAFS-IV decision was taken in consultation with the African Union Chairperson and the AU Commission. Both statements are wrong.
As per the Project Cheetah review of 19 May 2026, what is India's current cheetah population?
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Correct answer: D — 53
The population stands at 53, of which 33 are Indian-born. 29 is the total of founders (20) and the Botswana batch (9).
Besides Namibia and South Africa, cheetahs for Project Cheetah were also brought from which country?
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Correct answer: A — Botswana
The founder population of 20 from Namibia and South Africa was supplemented by 9 cheetahs from Botswana.
Consider the following statements about Project Cheetah (May 2026 review): 1. Habitat readiness in the Banni grasslands of Gujarat has reached satisfactory levels. 2. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is named as a new site for the next phase. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the PIB release: Banni preparation is satisfactory, and the next phase will develop new sites such as Nauradehi WLS in MP.