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Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on human-wildlife conflict, International Big Cat Alliance and more (Week 115)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the International Big Cat Alliance, consider the following statements: 1. There are 95 range countries which fall within the natural distribution of the big cats. 2. All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed. 3. The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in Moscow. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, presided over by the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — In March 2024, the Indian government established the IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. Its mandate is to protect seven big cats: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. — It was created 'to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise and replicating them in range countries.' The Union government has set aside Rs 150 crore for the purpose from 2023-24 to 2027-28. — The big cats have 95 range countries (those within a species' natural distribution), which include Canada, China, Congo, Ghana, Brazil, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed and conveyed through a Note Verbale, a method of formal diplomatic communication. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Which of the following is/are the reason which led to the increase in human-wildlife conflict? 1. Fluctuations in wildlife population 2. Animals forced to move out of their habitats 3. Grazing of domestic cattle in forest areas 4. Changes in cropping pattern Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — Kerala has sought the Union government's nod to kill wild animals that pose a threat to human life and properties. The state wants the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 amended so it can be allowed to kill wild animals that foray into human habitats. — The primary problem animals include tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, wild boar, bonnet macaques, and peafowl. Although bonnet macaques (a monkey species) and peafowl pose little threat to humans, their regular raids have driven farmers to abandon enormous swaths of agricultural land. — Major reasons include regional fluctuations in wildlife populations, animals forced to relocate when the quality of their habitats deteriorates, domestic cattle grazing in forest regions, changes in cropping patterns, and so on. But, more crucially, the population growth of wild pigs and various monkey species is causing havoc on human habitats. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the National Mission for a Green India, consider the following statements: 1. It was launched in 2014. 2. Its main objective is to protect, restore, and enhance India's forest and tree cover, using a blend of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. 3. The Western Ghats mountain ranges are not included in the Green India Mission. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — According to the new Green India Mission (GIM) whitepaper, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change would prioritise the restoration of sensitive landscapes such as the Aravallis and Western Ghats mountain ranges, mangroves, and the Indian Himalayan area. — The amended document claimed that a'micro-ecosystem' approach will be used to make interventions in sensitive landscapes such as the Aravallis, Western Ghats, arid parts of North West India, mangroves, and the Indian Himalayan region. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The National Mission for a Green India was established in February 2014 as one of the eight main missions of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Hence, statement 1 is correct. — GIM's primary goal is to maintain, restore, and improve India's forest and tree cover using a combination of climate adaptation and mitigation techniques. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — One of the mission's primary goals was to expand forest and tree cover on 5 million hectares of forest and non-forest land, as well as improve the quality of forest cover on an additional 5 million hectares. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Indian Flapshell Turtle, consider the following statements: 1. It is a small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm. 2. These species live only in the oceans. 3. They are found only in the Indian Subcontinent. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Indian Flapshell Turtle is a small softshell turtle with a carapace length of up to 350 mm. Nesting often begins in late summer and continues through the monsoon season, which lasts from July to November. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — These species live in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including rivers and streams, reservoirs, marshes, ponds, lakes, and even salt marshes, rice fields, gutters, and canals in urban areas. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — It is ubiquitous in brackish water lagoons on India's east coast and is frequently seen in irrigation canals and tanks, as well as stagnant paddy fields. — Distribution: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The Indian Flapshell Turtle is native to the Indian Subcontinent, and it's also found in some parts of Myanmar (not considered part of the Indian subcontinent). Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Which of the following species exhibit bioluminescence? 1. Jellyfish 2. Worms 3. Sea stars 4. Sharks Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 only Explanation — Bioluminescence is the ability of a living creature to generate and radiate light. This phenomenon is unusual in terrestrial ecosystems but prevalent in marine environments. — Many marine animals, including bacteria, algae, jellyfish, worms, crabs, sea stars, fish, and sharks, can create their own light. Deep-living and planktonic creatures exhibit higher luminescence than shallow species. Furthermore, the appearance of bioluminescent light varies depending on the environment and the creature in which it is present. — According to NOAA, bioluminescence is the product of an enzyme reaction. An enzyme accelerates a chemical reaction by assisting a substrate in reacting. The enzyme is reused in the process rather than being converted into another molecule Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 114) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
What is the International Big Cat Alliance, launched by India?
The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi on Monday (June 16), presided over by the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. He was endorsed as the President of the IBCA by the nine countries in attendance at the meeting – Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. Here is what to know about the body. The Indian government established the IBCA through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in March 2024. Its mandate is the conservation of seven big cats – the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. It aims 'to facilitate collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise and replicating them in range countries.' The Union government has allocated Rs 150 crore for the purpose from 2023-24 to 2027-28. There are 95 range countries (falling within the natural distribution of a species) for the big cats, including Canada, China, Congo, Ghana, Brazil, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia and the United States. Twenty-five countries have consented to be members of the IBCA, as of September 2024, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Kenya and Rwanda. All UN member countries can become members after the framework agreement is signed and conveyed through a Note Verbale, a method of formal diplomatic communication. What was the rationale behind the initiative? Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the IBCA in 2023 in Mysuru, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. That initiative came at a time when India's tiger population was rapidly dwindling. While there were an estimated 40,000 tigers in the country at the time of Independence, their numbers fell to around 1,800 by 1970 due to widespread hunting and poaching. The killing of the apex predators also has ripple effects on the rest of the ecosystem. As the IBCA has noted in a report, they regulate prey populations, which helps maintain the health of landscapes and prevents overgrazing that can lead to ecological calamities like wildfires and disease. Protecting big cats also safeguards the habitats they roam, which are home to many other species. Thus, the comprehensive effects of conserving these species can include mitigating natural disasters, conserving soil, controlling pandemics, supporting climate adaptation and contributing to climate change mitigation by storing and sequestering carbon. Project Tiger was instrumental in the creation of tiger reserves, beginning with nine zones in Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. These included the famous Kanha reserve in MP, the Jim Corbett reserve in Uttarakhand and Bandipur in Karnataka. At present, India has more than 3,600 tigers, accounting for 70% of the world's tiger population. However, challenges such as deforestation and instances of man-animal conflict remain. Some of the existing threats have also morphed to evade the authorities' radar. As The Indian Express reported in an investigation earlier this year, poaching networks have become 'leaner and more mobile: fewer middlemen, hired transporters to cut risk as they move consignments, and tie-ups with narcotics and arms syndicates.' In his address on Monday, Yadav emphasised the importance of collective action to advance conservation. The ratification of the headquarters agreement signed at the event enabled the body to establish its headquarters and other offices in India.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
International Big Cat Alliance holds its first assembly in Delhi
New Delhi: The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) held its first assembly at its Delhi headquarters on Monday. The assembly approved the Headquarters Agreement signed with India, work plan, rules of procedure and the manual of staff and financial regulations. These will serve as the guiding foundation for the effective governance, operations, and collaborative initiatives of IBCA. The assembly also endorsed the proceedings of the first International Steering Committee meeting of IBCA, which was held in April 2024, according to a statement by India's environment ministry. Further, the assembly unanimously endorsed Bhupender Yadav, India's environment minister as the president of IBCA. The assembly also endorsed SP Yadav as the director general of IBCA. Created by the Government of India, the IBCA is a coalition of 95 range countries with a mandate for the conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. The assembly, which is the apex body of IBCA, was attended in Delhi by ministerial delegations from Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. In his address, Yadav called upon the Big Cat range countries to actively engage and collaborate in the initiatives and programmes of IBCA. He emphasised the importance of collective action to advance the conservation and protection of the seven major big cat species and their natural habitats and assist in securing our ecological future and mitigate adverse effects of climate change. The IBCA was established by the Government of India, through its nodal organisation viz. National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2024. The primary objective of IBCA is to facilitate collaboration and synergy among range countries and other stakeholders.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Collective action needed to conserve and protect big cats: Bhupender Yadav
New Delhi: Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday emphasised the importance of collective action to advance the conservation and protection of the seven major big cat species and their natural habitats and assisting in securing the ecological future and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. In his address at the first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conservation of big cats in range countries, held here, Yadav highlighted that India has emerged as a global leader in wildlife conservation, demonstrating notable successes over the past decade, and called upon the Big Cat range countries to actively engage and collaborate in the initiatives and programmes of the grouping. The Assembly, which is the apex body of the IBCA, was attended by ministerial delegations from 9 countries - Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. It unanimously endorsed Yadav as the President of the IBCA, while it also endorsed S.P. Yadav as the Director General of IBCA. Created by the Indian government, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a coalition of 95 range countries with a mandate for the conservation of seven big cats, namely tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and pumas. "The Assembly endorsed the proceedings of the first International Steering Committee meeting of IBCA, which was held in April 2024, ratified the Headquarters Agreement signed by IBCA with the Republic of India, approved the Workplan, Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and the manual of Staff and financial regulations of the IBCA. These will serve as the guiding foundation for the effective governance, operations, and collaborative initiatives of the International Big Cat Alliance," the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a statement. The IBCA was established by the Indian government, through the nodal organisation, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, through an order on March 12, 2024. Its primary objective is to facilitate collaboration and synergy amongst range countries and other stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise to achieve a common goal of conservation of big cats at a global level.
United News of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Bhupender Yadav presides over inaugural assembly of International Big Cat Alliance
New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday chaired the inaugural Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), marking a significant milestone in global conservation efforts for big cats. The IBCA, an initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, aims to protect and conserve big cat species across their range countries. During the Assembly, an apex governing body of the IBCA, key decisions were made, including the approval of the workplan, the rules of procedure, and the staff and financial regulations manual, paving way for its functioning at the ground level. These foundational steps are set to guide the entity's governance, operations, and international collaborations. The Assembly also unanimously appointed Bhupender Yadav as the President of the IBCA, while SP Yadav was named the Director General of the alliance, as per a statement from the Union Environment Ministry. A coalition of 95 range countries, IBCA has a mandate for conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the collective action among big cat range countries is important for conservation and protection of the seven major big cat species and their natural habitats. The assembly was attended by ministerial delegation from 9 countries including Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. "The ratification of the headquarter agreement signed by IBCA with India, will enable the entity to establish its headquarters and such other offices in the host country as may be necessary to fully and efficiently discharge its official functions and programmes," added the statement. UNI AJ SSP
