UPSC Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Ocean Warming, Shaksgam Valley, and More
UPSC Quiz: Ocean Warming, Shaksgam Valley, and More

UPSC Essentials Daily Quiz: Environment and Geography MCQs for Week 145

Are you gearing up for the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026? This quiz helps you check your progress and revise key topics in Environment and Geography. Written by Nitendra Pal Singh in New Delhi on January 16, 2026, it offers a quick way to test your knowledge. Dive into questions on higher ocean temperatures, Shaksgam Valley, and other crucial subjects.

Question 1: Consequences of Higher Ocean Temperatures

Which of the following are the consequences of the higher ocean temperatures?

  1. Ocean stratification
  2. Marine heat waves
  3. Intense storms like hurricanes and cyclones
  4. Higher rate of evaporation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  • (a) 1 and 2 only
  • (b) 2, 3 and 4
  • (c) 2 and 4 only
  • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Relevance: This question tests your understanding of climate change and ocean linkages, a common theme in UPSC Prelims. It focuses on cause-effect relationships rather than mere factual recall.

Explanation: Higher ocean temperatures lead to several irreversible effects. First, they cause ocean stratification, where water layers separate by density, reducing mixing. This limits carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen distribution, threatening marine life. Second, marine heat waves become more frequent and intense, as shown by a 2021 IPCC study. Third, warmer oceans fuel stronger storms like hurricanes and cyclones by increasing evaporation and heat transfer. Fourth, higher evaporation rates contribute to these storms. Therefore, all four consequences occur, making option (d) the correct answer.

Question 2: Shaksgam Valley Facts

With reference to the Shaksgam Valley, consider the following statements:

  1. It is part of the Hunza-Gilgit region.
  2. It lies to the west of the Siachen glacier.
  3. It borders China to the north and the Gilgit-Baltistan region to the west.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  • (a) Only one
  • (b) Only two
  • (c) All three
  • (d) None

Relevance: This question assesses India's territorial claims in PoK and the 1963 Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement, a recurring topic in border disputes for UPSC.

Explanation: Shaksgam Valley, also known as the Trans Karakoram Tract, is indeed part of the Hunza-Gilgit region occupied by Pakistan. It lies to the north of the Siachen glacier, not the west, making statement 1 correct and statement 2 incorrect. The valley borders China's Xinjiang province to the north and Gilgit-Baltistan to the west, so statement 3 is correct. Thus, two statements are correct, and option (b) is the right answer.

Question 3: Crop Susceptibility to Orobanche

Which of the following crops is increasingly susceptible to infestation by Orobanche, a parasitic weed that attaches to the root?

  • (a) Wheat
  • (b) Cotton
  • (c) Coffee
  • (d) Mustard

Relevance: Agriculture ecology questions often test crop-pest specificity, helping eliminate options in prelims by linking weeds to host crops.

Explanation: Mustard, India's largest indigenous edible oil source, faces growing threats from Orobanche aegyptiaca. This parasitic weed attaches to mustard roots, draining nutrients and causing wilting, yellowing, and reduced yields. Therefore, option (d) is correct.

Question 4: Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

Consider the following statements about Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ):

  1. It is defined under the National Environment Policy, 2006.
  2. These zones indicate areas that are rich in environmental resources and require special protection.
  3. There are restrictions on agricultural and horticultural practices run by local communities under ESZ.
  4. New commercial constructions are permitted within one kilometre of the boundary of a protected area or an eco-sensitive zone.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  • (a) Only one
  • (b) Only two
  • (c) Only three
  • (d) All four

Relevance: UPSC Prelims frequently tests policy details on ESZs, including permitted activities and Supreme Court directions.

Explanation: The National Environment Policy (2006) defines ESZs as areas needing conservation due to environmental resources, so statements 1 and 2 are correct. However, ESZ notifications do not restrict agricultural or horticultural practices by local communities, making statement 3 incorrect. New commercial constructions are not allowed within one kilometer of protected areas or ESZs, though local residents can build on their land, so statement 4 is incorrect. Thus, two statements are correct, and option (b) is the answer.

Question 5: Octopus Characteristics

With reference to the octopuses, consider the following statements:

  1. They are warm-blooded animals.
  2. They are known to thrive in warm waters.
  3. Most of the octopus’s brain is dedicated to vision, and it plays a crucial role in communication and detecting predators and prey.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  • (a) Only one
  • (b) Only two
  • (c) All three
  • (d) None

Relevance: UPSC often links animal physiology with climate change, testing traits like ectothermy and habitat preferences.

Explanation: Octopuses are cold-blooded, not warm-blooded, so statement 1 is incorrect. They do thrive in warm waters, as studies show higher temperatures speed up embryonic development, making statement 2 correct. About 70% of an octopus's brain focuses on vision, aiding in communication and predator detection, so statement 3 is correct. Therefore, two statements are correct, and option (b) is the right choice.

Use this quiz to sharpen your skills for the UPSC Prelims. Regular practice with such questions can boost your confidence and knowledge.