UPSC Essentials Daily Quiz: Environment and Geography MCQs for Week 146
Are you diligently preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination Prelims 2026? This comprehensive subject-wise quiz on Environment and Geography is designed to help you assess your current progress and effectively revise crucial static topics from the syllabus. Written by Nitendra Pal Singh from New Delhi, this edition dated January 23, 2026, presents five multiple-choice questions that test conceptual clarity and factual knowledge essential for the examination.
Quiz Overview and Importance
The UPSC Essentials initiative offers these subject-specific quizzes to aid aspirants in reinforcing important concepts. Today's focus on Environment and Geography includes questions on meteorological phenomena, ecological issues, and geographical facts that are frequently tested. Engaging with this quiz will enable you to identify strengths and areas needing further revision.
Question 1: Winter Rainfall in North and Northwest India
Consider the following statements:
- During winters, the north and northwest India regions normally experience light to moderate intensity rainfall.
- In winters, the rainfall is mainly triggered by the passing streams of western disturbances.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1.
- (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1.
- (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect.
- (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct.
Relevance: This question evaluates understanding of India's winter rainfall mechanism and the role of Western Disturbances, a core concept in Indian climatology. It is commonly featured in concept-based elimination MCQs that link atmospheric circulation with regional weather patterns.
Explanation: The winter season of 2024-25 witnessed a significant rainfall deficiency of 96 percent in the northwestern region. Studies indicate a marginal declining trend in winter rainfall over certain pockets of north India. Typically, during winters, north and northwest India experience light to moderate rainfall primarily due to passing streams of western disturbances. This precipitation is vital for rabi crops in the plains and supports irrigation. In higher altitudes, it contributes to groundwater recharge through snow or rainfall. Both statements are accurate, and Statement 2 correctly explains Statement 1. Hence, option (a) is correct.
Question 2: Polavaram Irrigation Project
The Polavaram Irrigation Project was recently in the news. It is constructed across the:
- (a) Cauvery River
- (b) Krishna River
- (c) Godavari River
- (d) Mahanadi River
Relevance: This tests mapping-based knowledge of major river valley projects and their associated rivers, a recurring UPSC theme. It gains importance due to federal disputes, environmental clearances, and inter-state water-sharing issues, linking static topics with current affairs.
Explanation: The Supreme Court recently disposed of a writ petition filed by Telangana against the Union government and Andhra Pradesh regarding the proposed expansion of the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project. The Polavaram Irrigation Project is situated on the Godavari River, which originates in the Western Ghats, flows through Maharashtra, and empties into the Bay of Bengal. The project is authorized to divert 80 thousand million cubic feet of water from the Godavari to the Krishna River via its canal system for use in the Krishna Delta, governed by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award and technical clearances from the Central Water Commission. Therefore, option (c) is correct.
Question 3: Carbon Sinks and Their Role
Consider the following statements:
- Carbon sinks play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's carbon cycle.
- Oceans function as net carbon sources rather than carbon sinks.
- Forests release more carbon than they absorb over long time scales.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Relevance: This assesses conceptual clarity on the carbon cycle, carbon sinks, and climate change mitigation mechanisms, a high-frequency UPSC theme. It is significant due to connections with India's climate commitments, net-zero targets, carbon markets, and environmental policies.
Explanation: According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2025 was the third-warmest year on record, with a global surface air temperature 1.47 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Carbon sinks are essential for preserving the Earth's carbon cycle as they absorb more CO2 than they emit, with forests and oceans being major natural sinks. Oceans absorb about 25-30 percent of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, making them sinks, not sources. Forests generally act as net carbon sinks over long periods unless disturbed by deforestation or fires. Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making option (a) the answer.
Question 4: Factors Contributing to Ecological Degradation of Forests
Which of the following factors can contribute to the ecological degradation of forests?
- Repeated forest fires
- Fungal infections
- Insect infestation
- Increasing anthropogenic pressures
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 and 4 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 4
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Relevance: This tests understanding of drivers of forest degradation and ecosystem stress, a core theme in environment and ecology. It is highly relevant due to links with climate change, biodiversity loss, forest conservation policies, and India's carbon sink targets.
Explanation: A study by experts from Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, concluded that forest ecosystems in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur, Shimla, and Solan districts are critically declining. The primary cause is the long-term impact of repeated forest fires, compounded by insect infestation, fungal infections, and increasing anthropogenic pressures. Despite vegetation variations, recurring fires have severely weakened forest resilience. All listed factors contribute to degradation, so option (d) is correct.
Question 5: Location of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia is located in:
- (a) Southern Pacific Ocean
- (b) Eastern Atlantic Ocean
- (c) Indian Ocean
- (d) Arctic Sea
Relevance: This evaluates strategic geography and mapping skills, particularly of important islands and oceanic regions. It is highly relevant due to Indo-Pacific geopolitics, maritime security, and the military-strategic significance of island bases.
Explanation: In October 2024, the UK announced it would cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, including the Diego Garcia military base, jointly operated with the US. The Chagos archipelago, comprising 58 islands, is situated approximately 500 km south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Historically uninhabited until the late 18th century, these islands were used for coconut plantations with slave labor and were ceded to Britain in 1814. Thus, option (c) is correct.
Conclusion and Further Resources
This quiz serves as a valuable tool for UPSC aspirants to gauge their preparedness in Environment and Geography. For additional practice, consider exploring previous quizzes on History, Culture, Social Issues, Polity, Governance, Science, Technology, Economy, and International Relations. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles and news cues by subscribing to relevant newsletters and following official channels. Regular revision through such quizzes can significantly enhance your chances of success in the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026.
