UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Western Disturbances, Subansiri Lower hydel project and more (Week 140)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the Western Disturbances, consider the following statements:

1. These winds pick up moisture from the Mediterranean Sea and the Caspian Sea.

2. They are most abundant during the boreal winter months.

3. They are embedded in the subtropical westerly jet stream.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— Western Disturbances are rain-bearing wind systems that begin east of Afghanistan and Iran and pick up moisture from the Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, and Arabian Seas. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— These are examples of extratropical cyclones caused by low-pressure zones created by the interplay of polar and tropical winds. Western Disturbances are embedded in the subtropical westerly jet stream, which is a high-altitude, fast-moving air movement that runs from west to east in the Earth’s atmosphere and passes over the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— They are most abundant during the boreal winter months (December to March) and have an impact on the weather in India, notably the northwest, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

The Subansiri Lower hydel project is located on the:

(a) Sikkim-Assam border

(b) Arunachal Pradesh-Assam border

(c) Assam-Meghalaya border

(d) Assam-Nagaland border

Explanation

— The Environment Ministry has turned down a NHPC proposal to use assets located on forest land as collateral to raise funds for the Subansiri Lower hydel project which is facing an over 300% cost escalation. The project is located on the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam border.

— According to a letter obtained by The Indian Express, the Environment Ministry reviewed NHPC’s “proposal to mortgage assets on diverted forest land” and determined that it is “not tenable” under the requirements of the Forest Conservation Act, officially known as the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.

— The Subansiri Lower HEP at Gerukamukh on the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam border was cleared in 2005 but stalled between 2011 and 2019, because of local opposition in Assam and judicial proceedings concerning dam safety and downstream ecological impact.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

With reference to the Shyok Tunnel, consider the following statements:

1. It has been constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in eastern Ladakh.

2. It is the only operational road connecting Durbuk to the Depsang Plains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last week inaugurated the Shyok Tunnel on the Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DS-DBO) road, which runs parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), among 125 infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in eastern Ladakh. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Calling it an “engineering marvel” for its construction in a tough, challenging terrain, Singh said the tunnel will ensure all-weather, reliable connectivity to this strategic area. He added that the tunnel will significantly enhance security, mobility, and rapid deployment capabilities, especially during harsh winters, as the region is prone to heavy snowfall, avalanches, and extreme temperatures.

— Shyok Tunnel is a 920-metre cut-and-cover tunnel on the 255 km long DS-DBO road, which is the only operational road connecting Durbuk to the Depsang Plains and DBO in the north. DBO hosts one of the world’s highest operational airfields, which is a key strategic air infrastructure for India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Shyok tunnel is strategically significant in its ability to provide round-the-year connectivity to areas close to the LAC. It would particularly help in the quick mobilisation and redeployment of troops in case of any emergency.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Which of the following big cats is included in the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?

1. Tiger

2. Lion

3. Leopard

4. Jaguar

5. Puma

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation

— 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.

— 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.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

Sujal Gaon ID is associated with:

(a) Jal Jeevan Mission

(b) Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)

(c) Atal Bhujal Yojana

(d) National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)

Explanation

— Amid concerns over irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Centre has informed states that funds during the mission’s extended period, up to 2028, will be released only after all rural piped water supply schemes are onboarded onto Sujal Gaon ID.

— Sujal Gaon ID is a digital module that records comprehensive details of all village water supply schemes, including geo-tagged pipelines, overhead tanks, and drinking water quality.

— The Sujal Gaon ID and the Sujalam Bharat App will enable identification of which scheme is supplying water to which families.

— All rural drinking water supply schemes in the country will be digitally integrated into a unified national asset registry, ensuring that complete information about every scheme — from the source to the household tap — will be available.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 135)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 140)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 140)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 140)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 139)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 139)

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.