Boost Your UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 Preparation with Essential Environment and Geography MCQs
As UPSC aspirants gear up for the Civil Services Prelims 2026 examination, regular self-assessment through targeted quizzes becomes crucial for success. The latest edition of UPSC Essentials brings a comprehensive subject-wise quiz focusing on Environment and Geography, covering vital topics from the static syllabus that frequently appear in the examination.
Forest Advisory Committee: Key Regulatory Body Under Scanner
The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), which operates as a statutory body under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, has recently recommended significant changes in penal provisions for violations of environmental laws. This expert panel scrutinizes proposals for diverting forest land for non-forestry activities and has emphasized the need for rationalization and uniformity in penalties.
The committee has specifically addressed violations of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, previously known as the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. According to FAC recommendations, penal compensatory afforestation should be charged on an equal extent of forest land involved in violation cases. This additional penalty would supplement the existing provisions under Van Adhiniyam Rules, 2023.
Violations occur when forest land is permitted for de-reservation, non-forest use, lease, or clear felling without obtaining prior approval from the Central government under the applicable legislation.
CITES: Global Framework for Wildlife Protection
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has recently raised concerns about illegal wildlife trade practices. A verification mission has cautioned against the illegal harvest of wild animals later declared as captive bred and recommended that India suspend imports of critically-endangered species until stronger safeguards are implemented.
Contrary to common misconceptions, CITES represents a legally binding international agreement with 185 signatory countries, adopted in 1973 and operational since 1975. India joined this conservation framework in 1976, not 1986 as sometimes mistakenly believed.
The convention mandates that international shipment of endangered species requires export and import permits from designated CITES authorities in both countries involved. This regulated trade system allows controlled movement of species listed in its three appendices only with valid CITES licenses granted by national authorities.
Understanding Meteorological Phenomena
Recent unseasonal rainfall patterns in October have been attributed to specific atmospheric conditions, particularly upper air cyclonic circulation systems. Contrary to being high-pressure systems in the stratosphere, these are actually low-pressure systems occurring in the upper troposphere where air circulates counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
Another significant weather-related concept involves hygroscopic clouds, which play a crucial role in cloud seeding operations. These warm-rain clouds contain abundant water content and respond effectively when cloud condensation nuclei like silver iodide or sodium chloride are introduced. They typically appear during pre-monsoon periods and throughout the monsoon season, forming at lower altitudes through moisture condensation around hygroscopic particles rather than freezing processes.
Similipal Tiger Reserve: Home to Rare Black Tigers
The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj, Northern Odisha, recently gained international attention when Indian photographer Prasenjeet Yadav captured images of a rare black tiger, featured on the October 2025 cover of National Geographic. This marked a historic achievement as the first time an Indian story was written, photographed, and featured on the magazine's cover by an Indian contributor.
Covering an area of 2750 square kilometers, Similipal represents Odisha's premier wildlife sanctuary. The reserve derives its name from the abundant red silk cotton semul trees found throughout the region, creating a unique ecological landscape that supports diverse wildlife, including these rare genetic variants of tigers.
Regular practice with such comprehensive quizzes enables UPSC aspirants to identify knowledge gaps, reinforce learning, and develop effective examination strategies. The inclusion of current environmental developments alongside fundamental geographical concepts makes this quiz particularly valuable for serious candidates aiming for success in the 2026 preliminary examination.
