UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 31 October 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Environment : 31 October 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more. We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding the impacts of the Sand Mining. It can alter the river bed and change its course. It causes river and estuary deepening, as well as the expansion of river mouths and coastal inlets. It may result in saline water intrusion from the nearby sea. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C Impact of Sand Mining on the Environment Excessive sand mining can alter the river bed, force the river to change course, erode banks, and cause flooding. It causes river and estuary deepening, as well as the expansion of river mouths and coastal inlets. It may also result in saline water intrusion from the nearby sea. Instream mining can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate mine sites. Every year, many hectares of fertile streamside land are lost, as well as valuable timber resources and wildlife habitats in riparian areas. Degraded stream habitats reduce fisheries productivity, biodiversity, and recreational potential. Sand mining is a direct cause of erosion and has an impact on local wildlife. Various animals rely on sandy beaches for nesting clutches, and mining has nearly wiped out gharials (a crocodile species) in India. Sand mining in Chambal has had an impact on the population of Gharials, a critically endangered species (a National Chambal Sanctuary has been established for their conservation). Incorrect Solution: C Impact of Sand Mining on the Environment Excessive sand mining can alter the river bed, force the river to change course, erode banks, and cause flooding. It causes river and estuary deepening, as well as the expansion of river mouths and coastal inlets. It may also result in saline water intrusion from the nearby sea. Instream mining can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate mine sites. Every year, many hectares of fertile streamside land are lost, as well as valuable timber resources and wildlife habitats in riparian areas. Degraded stream habitats reduce fisheries productivity, biodiversity, and recreational potential. Sand mining is a direct cause of erosion and has an impact on local wildlife. Various animals rely on sandy beaches for nesting clutches, and mining has nearly wiped out gharials (a crocodile species) in India. Sand mining in Chambal has had an impact on the population of Gharials, a critically endangered species (a National Chambal Sanctuary has been established for their conservation).

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the impacts of the Sand Mining.

• It can alter the river bed and change its course.

• It causes river and estuary deepening, as well as the expansion of river mouths and coastal inlets.

• It may result in saline water intrusion from the nearby sea.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

Impact of Sand Mining on the Environment

• Excessive sand mining can alter the river bed, force the river to change course, erode banks, and cause flooding.

• It causes river and estuary deepening, as well as the expansion of river mouths and coastal inlets.

• It may also result in saline water intrusion from the nearby sea.

• Instream mining can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate mine sites.

• Every year, many hectares of fertile streamside land are lost, as well as valuable timber resources and wildlife habitats in riparian areas. Degraded stream habitats reduce fisheries productivity, biodiversity, and recreational potential.

• Sand mining is a direct cause of erosion and has an impact on local wildlife.

• Various animals rely on sandy beaches for nesting clutches, and mining has nearly wiped out gharials (a crocodile species) in India.

• Sand mining in Chambal has had an impact on the population of Gharials, a critically endangered species (a National Chambal Sanctuary has been established for their conservation).

Solution: C

Impact of Sand Mining on the Environment

• Excessive sand mining can alter the river bed, force the river to change course, erode banks, and cause flooding.

• It causes river and estuary deepening, as well as the expansion of river mouths and coastal inlets.

• It may also result in saline water intrusion from the nearby sea.

• Instream mining can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate mine sites.

• Sand mining is a direct cause of erosion and has an impact on local wildlife.

• Various animals rely on sandy beaches for nesting clutches, and mining has nearly wiped out gharials (a crocodile species) in India.

• Sand mining in Chambal has had an impact on the population of Gharials, a critically endangered species (a National Chambal Sanctuary has been established for their conservation).

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding various scales of organization of the environment. Biosphere or Ecosphere is classified usually at the continental scale which includes climatically and geographically contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions. Biome includes all the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: C Ecosystem is the groups of organisms from all biological domains in conjunction with the physical (abiotic) environment. Biome is the continental scale (climatically and geographically contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions) grouping of ecosystems. Biosphere or Ecosphere is all life plus the physical (abiotic) environment. Incorrect Solution: C Ecosystem is the groups of organisms from all biological domains in conjunction with the physical (abiotic) environment. Biome is the continental scale (climatically and geographically contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions) grouping of ecosystems. Biosphere or Ecosphere is all life plus the physical (abiotic) environment.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding various scales of organization of the environment.

• Biosphere or Ecosphere is classified usually at the continental scale which includes climatically and geographically contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions.

• Biome includes all the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) 1 only

• c) Both 1 and 2

• d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

Ecosystem is the groups of organisms from all biological domains in conjunction with the physical (abiotic) environment. Biome is the continental scale (climatically and geographically contiguous areas with similar climatic conditions) grouping of ecosystems.

Biosphere or Ecosphere is all life plus the physical (abiotic) environment.

Solution: C

Biosphere or Ecosphere is all life plus the physical (abiotic) environment.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following explains why we should move away from coal-based power generation? Combusting coal leaves behind partially burnt carbon particles that feed pollution and trigger respiratory disorders. Coal emits nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas. Opencast mining and underground mining of coal affect the vegetation pattern. There are several occupational hazards associated with coal mining like Pneumoconiosis and asthma. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3, and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: D Coal emits nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas and about 60% more than oil, on a kilogram comparison having a greater role in global warming. Combusting coal also leaves behind partially burnt carbon particles that feed pollution and trigger respiratory disorders. Environmental issues associated with Coal Mining that is air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution etc. Opencast mining and underground mining of coal affect the vegetation pattern. Several occupational hazards are associated with coal mining: Pneumoconiosis (by inhaling coal dust), allergies and asthma, noise hazard etc. Incorrect Solution: D Coal emits nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas and about 60% more than oil, on a kilogram comparison having a greater role in global warming. Combusting coal also leaves behind partially burnt carbon particles that feed pollution and trigger respiratory disorders. Environmental issues associated with Coal Mining that is air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution etc. Opencast mining and underground mining of coal affect the vegetation pattern. Several occupational hazards are associated with coal mining: Pneumoconiosis (by inhaling coal dust), allergies and asthma, noise hazard etc.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following explains why we should move away from coal-based power generation?

• Combusting coal leaves behind partially burnt carbon particles that feed pollution and trigger respiratory disorders.

• Coal emits nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas.

• Opencast mining and underground mining of coal affect the vegetation pattern.

• There are several occupational hazards associated with coal mining like Pneumoconiosis and asthma.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 1, 3, and 4 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: D

• Coal emits nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas and about 60% more than oil, on a kilogram comparison having a greater role in global warming.

• Combusting coal also leaves behind partially burnt carbon particles that feed pollution and trigger respiratory disorders.

• Environmental issues associated with Coal Mining that is air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution etc.

• Opencast mining and underground mining of coal affect the vegetation pattern.

• Several occupational hazards are associated with coal mining: Pneumoconiosis (by inhaling coal dust), allergies and asthma, noise hazard etc.

Solution: D

• Coal emits nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas and about 60% more than oil, on a kilogram comparison having a greater role in global warming.

• Combusting coal also leaves behind partially burnt carbon particles that feed pollution and trigger respiratory disorders.

• Environmental issues associated with Coal Mining that is air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution etc.

• Opencast mining and underground mining of coal affect the vegetation pattern.

• Several occupational hazards are associated with coal mining: Pneumoconiosis (by inhaling coal dust), allergies and asthma, noise hazard etc.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Forest Conservation Act, 1980. The legislation empowers the Central government to regulate the extraction of forest resources by industries as well as forest-dwelling communities. The Act initially provided protection to areas not formally notified as ‘forests’ by the Central or State governments. It is the only Act that protects the rights of tribals and forest-dwellers dependent on forests for their livelihood. How many of the above statements are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: B Only statement 1 is correct. Forest Conservation Act, 1980. This is the legislation enacted to protect India’s forests and empowers the Central government to regulate the extraction of forest resources — from timber and bamboo to coal and minerals — by industries as well as forest-dwelling communities. A separate Act, the Forest Rights Act, protects the rights of tribals and forest-dwellers dependent on forests for their livelihood. From 1951-1975, about four million hectares of forest land has been diverted for various non-forestry purposes. From 1980 to 2023, under the purview of the Act, only a million hectares have been diverted — a sign of its impact in reducing the pace of forest appropriation. However, such protection was only available for areas already marked out as ‘forest’ in Central or State government records. A Supreme Court judgment in 1996, in the Godavarman Thirumulpad case, expanded the scope of such protection. Under it, even areas not formally notified as ‘forests’ but conforming to the ‘dictionary’ meaning of forests were protected. Incorrect Solution: B Only statement 1 is correct. Forest Conservation Act, 1980. This is the legislation enacted to protect India’s forests and empowers the Central government to regulate the extraction of forest resources — from timber and bamboo to coal and minerals — by industries as well as forest-dwelling communities. A separate Act, the Forest Rights Act, protects the rights of tribals and forest-dwellers dependent on forests for their livelihood. From 1951-1975, about four million hectares of forest land has been diverted for various non-forestry purposes. From 1980 to 2023, under the purview of the Act, only a million hectares have been diverted — a sign of its impact in reducing the pace of forest appropriation. However, such protection was only available for areas already marked out as ‘forest’ in Central or State government records. A Supreme Court judgment in 1996, in the Godavarman Thirumulpad case, expanded the scope of such protection. Under it, even areas not formally notified as ‘forests’ but conforming to the ‘dictionary’ meaning of forests were protected.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

• The legislation empowers the Central government to regulate the extraction of forest resources by industries as well as forest-dwelling communities.

• The Act initially provided protection to areas not formally notified as ‘forests’ by the Central or State governments.

• It is the only Act that protects the rights of tribals and forest-dwellers dependent on forests for their livelihood.

How many of the above statements are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: B

Only statement 1 is correct.

Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

• This is the legislation enacted to protect India’s forests and empowers the Central government to regulate the extraction of forest resources — from timber and bamboo to coal and minerals — by industries as well as forest-dwelling communities.

• A separate Act, the Forest Rights Act, protects the rights of tribals and forest-dwellers dependent on forests for their livelihood. From 1951-1975, about four million hectares of forest land has been diverted for various non-forestry purposes.

• From 1980 to 2023, under the purview of the Act, only a million hectares have been diverted — a sign of its impact in reducing the pace of forest appropriation.

• However, such protection was only available for areas already marked out as ‘forest’ in Central or State government records.

• A Supreme Court judgment in 1996, in the Godavarman Thirumulpad case, expanded the scope of such protection. Under it, even areas not formally notified as ‘forests’ but conforming to the ‘dictionary’ meaning of forests were protected.

Solution: B

Only statement 1 is correct.

Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

• From 1980 to 2023, under the purview of the Act, only a million hectares have been diverted — a sign of its impact in reducing the pace of forest appropriation.

• However, such protection was only available for areas already marked out as ‘forest’ in Central or State government records.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Manatees. Manatees are large, aquatic mammals that are sometimes called “sea cows”. Manatees are typically solitary animals, known to gather in warm waters during colder weather. They are classified as Vulnerable as per IUCN Red List. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 3 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: D Manatees, typically solitary animals, are known to gather in warm waters during colder weather. Manatees are large, aquatic mammals that are sometimes called “sea cows”. Manatees are herbivores that eat over 60 different types of plants. IUCN Status: Vulnerable Incorrect Solution: D Manatees, typically solitary animals, are known to gather in warm waters during colder weather. Manatees are large, aquatic mammals that are sometimes called “sea cows”. Manatees are herbivores that eat over 60 different types of plants. IUCN Status: Vulnerable

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Manatees.

• Manatees are large, aquatic mammals that are sometimes called “sea cows”.

• Manatees are typically solitary animals, known to gather in warm waters during colder weather.

• They are classified as Vulnerable as per IUCN Red List.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 3 only

• (b) 1 and 3 only

• (c) 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: D

Manatees, typically solitary animals, are known to gather in warm waters during colder weather.

Manatees are large, aquatic mammals that are sometimes called “sea cows”. Manatees are herbivores that eat over 60 different types of plants.

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Solution: D

Manatees, typically solitary animals, are known to gather in warm waters during colder weather.

Manatees are large, aquatic mammals that are sometimes called “sea cows”. Manatees are herbivores that eat over 60 different types of plants.

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

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