UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026: Analysis (Questions 21–40)

CSE

Aug 18

27 min read

21. Consider the following statements with reference to India’s response to climate change:

I. India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

II. India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019.

III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets.

Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?

1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II.

2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I.

3. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (b) 1 and 2

Statement I is correct (LT-LEDS is India’s official long-term strategy for net-zero by 2070).

Statement II is correct (BUR-4, submitted 30 December 2024, recorded a 7.93% ≈ “around 8%” drop in GHG emissions in 2020 vs 2019).

Statement III is incorrect, in India’s context, which prioritises long-term, development-compatible pathways rather than necessarily rapid short-term absolute cuts. Statement II provides factual, observable, or data-based evidence that confirms or validates Statement I. Thus relationship 1 holds (II supplies empirical progress consistent with the long-term goal in I) and relationship 2 holds (III contradicts the long-horizon approach of I). Relationship 3 does not hold.

Proper nouns and their appearances

Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)

Official document submitted by India to the UNFCCC in November 2022. It explicitly charts low-carbon transitions toward net-zero by 2070 while emphasising equity, CBDR-RC and national circumstances.
Repeatedly referenced in PIB releases on climate commitments, NITI Aayog reports (e.g., 2026 “Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero”), and Ministry of Environment statements.
Covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other English dailies around COP27 (2022) and in subsequent analyses of India’s net-zero pathway (including 2025–2026 NITI modelling stories).

Net-zero emissions by 2070

Announced by the Prime Minister at COP26 (2021) as part of the “Panchamrit” pledges; embedded in the updated NDC (2022) and LT-LEDS.
Standard reference in PIB, MoEFCC and NITI Aayog documents; frequent in The Hindu / Indian Express climate and energy reporting from 2021 onward (including recent power-mix and financing analyses).

4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4)

Submitted to the UNFCCC on 30 December 2024; contains the national GHG inventory for 2020.
Official PIB release (early January 2025, PRID 2089589 and related) states: India’s GHG emissions decreased by 7.93% in 2020 with respect to 2019 (net emissions 2,437 MtCO₂e including LULUCF). Also notes 36% reduction in emission intensity of GDP (2005–2020) and other progress metrics.
Reported in environment portals and secondary coverage; parliamentary references (e.g., MoS statements) and exam/coaching analyses in 2025–2026. Mainstream English newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) carried the submission and key figures as part of climate-progress stories, though the densest official detail is in PIB/MoEFCC.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions / 2020 vs 2019 figures

Directly from the BUR-4 inventory and the corresponding PIB summaries. The “around 8%” phrasing is a common rounding of the official 7.93% figure.

22. With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees.

3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (b) 1 and 2

Statement 1 is correct: The Hoollongapar (Hollongapar) Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam (Northeast India) is a key habitat for the Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), which is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Statement 2 is correct: Like other gibbons (lesser apes), they are highly specialized for brachiation — swinging hand-over-hand through the forest canopy using elongated arms and flexible shoulder joints.
Statement 3 is incorrect: They are small and slender (typically 6–9 kg), not strong/heavy-built like gorillas (great apes). Their lightweight build supports agile arboreal movement.

Evaluation of proper nouns and appearances

Key proper nouns/terms

Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock): India’s only ape species (lesser ape family Hylobatidae); found mainly in Northeast India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, etc.), Bangladesh, and parts of Myanmar.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Official global conservation status authority; lists the species as Endangered.
Sanctuary in North-east India: Primarily refers to the Hoollongapar/Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (Assam), dedicated to this species (also other protected areas exist).

Where they appear

PIB / government sources: Occasional mentions in broader wildlife conservation updates, Assam Forest Department materials, and references linked to Schedule I protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Not a frequent standalone PIB focus but appear in official sanctuary and biodiversity reports.
The Hindu: Regular coverage, including detailed features on conservation challenges, population decline (from ~100,000 to under 5,000), habitat fragmentation, and recent innovations (e.g., December 2025 article on stress tests/drones for protection; August 2025 piece on calls for a dedicated “Project Gibbon”). Frequent references to the Hollongapar Sanctuary and IUCN status.
Indian Express: Prominent recent reporting (May 2026) on the first documented use of an artificial canopy bridge by a Western Hoolock Gibbon over a railway line in Hollongapar Sanctuary, highlighting conservation efforts and India’s only ape.

23. Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience?

1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.

2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.

3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (d) 3 only

Only statement 3 correctly explains the rationale. Mangroves act as natural bio-shields by dissipating wave/tidal energy and storm surges, while also supplying biomass and other resources that support rural coastal livelihoods — key aspects of climate resilience. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: mangroves thrive in saline intertidal zones and do not store/filter seawater to create suitable conditions for paddy cultivation or freshwater aquaculture (such conversion typically damages the ecosystem).

Proper nouns / key terms and their appearances

Mangrove ecosystems / mangroves: Core term for India’s coastal salt-tolerant forests (Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Godavari-Krishna, etc.).
Climate resilience: Frequent framing in policy and media for nature-based coastal adaptation.
Natural bio-shields (or bioshields): Common descriptor for mangroves’ protective role against cyclones, tidal surges, and tsunamis.
Tidal surges / tidal energy: References to wave attenuation and storm protection.
Biomass resources / livelihood bases: Links to fishery nurseries, honey, wood, and community incomes.
Other phrasing (salt-sensitive roots, freshwater storage/paddy/aquaculture conversion) appears mainly as incorrect distractors in exam contexts; mangroves are salt-tolerant, not converters of saline land into freshwater systems.

Sources

PIB / government: References to mangrove restoration under MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), coastal protection, and blue-carbon roles appear in PIB releases and MoEFCC/Forest Survey of India materials on mangrove cover and climate adaptation.
The Hindu: Regular coverage of mangroves as natural buffers/bio-shields against cyclones and surges (e.g., pieces on Bhitarkanika, Odisha protection, ecosystem-based adaptation vs. seawalls, restoration benefits for livelihoods and climate risks; articles from 2025–2026).
Indian Express: Reports on high-court observations of mangroves as natural buffers against flooding/erosion (e.g., Mumbai/Thane contexts) and ecological significance for coastal resilience.
Other English newspapers / outlets: Mentions in Mint (mangroves as natural climate infrastructure protecting ports/roads), ThePrint (Tamil Nadu bio-shield plantation drives), and specialised environment reporting (Mongabay, etc.) on community bioshields, restoration, and livelihood links.

24. In what way(s) does the Vizhinjam International Seaport represent a structural shift in India’s maritime trade and logistics policy?

1. By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations.

2. By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala’s profile as a maritime heritage destination.

3. By leveraging its natural deep draft and strategic location to reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment ports, enhance revenue retention, and reposition India in regional maritime trade.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (d) 3 only

Only statement 3 is correct. Vizhinjam International Seaport (Kerala) is India’s first major deep-water transshipment hub. It uses its natural deep draft (around 18–20 m) and location ~10 nautical miles from major east–west international shipping lanes to handle large mother vessels directly. This reduces India’s dependence on foreign hubs (especially Colombo, Singapore, etc.), retains transshipment revenue domestically, lowers logistics costs, and strengthens India’s position in regional/global maritime trade. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: it is an international transshipment (and increasingly EXIM) container port developed with private (Adani) collaboration, not an exclusive domestic cargo hub, and it is not primarily focused on passenger cruise tourism or heritage shipping.

Proper noun evaluation: Vizhinjam International Seaport (also Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport / Trivandrum Port)

Core identity: India’s first dedicated deep-water container transshipment port in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Developed under a PPP model (Government of Kerala + Adani Ports/APSEZ). Commercial operations began mid/late 2024 (trial July 2024; full operations December 2024); formally dedicated by the Prime Minister in May 2025. Rapid growth milestones (fastest Indian port to 1 million and then 2 million TEUs) and Phase-2 expansion toward multi-million TEU capacity have been widely noted. Natural deep draft and proximity to international shipping routes are repeatedly highlighted as key advantages for reducing foreign transshipment dependence.

Appearances in sources

PIB (Press Information Bureau): Multiple official releases (e.g., 2025–2026) covering inauguration/dedication, capacity augmentation inauguration by the Shipping Minister, media tours, alignment with Maritime Vision 2030 / Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, natural deep draft, strategic location, reduction of reliance on foreign ports, and revenue retention.
The Hindu: Regular coverage of operational milestones (e.g., fastest to 2 million TEUs), Phase-2 expansion, vessel calls (including ultra-large container vessels), geographic advantages, and statements by Kerala CM and port officials.
Indian Express: Featured in UPSC-oriented “Knowledge Nugget” explainers and news on its role as a game-changer for transshipment, customs notification for EXIM operations, natural draft, and strategic response to foreign-port dependence.
Other English newspapers / outlets: Times of India (EXIM launch timelines, MSC investment deals, vessel milestones), Business Standard / BusinessLine, The Week, Outlook Business, Maritime Gateway, and others frequently report cargo volumes, expansion plans, cost savings for Indian exporters, and the shift from feeder/foreign-hub dependence. Coverage intensified after commercial start (2024–2025) and continued through 2026 milestones and expansion announcements.

25. Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information:

1. It has an antecedent drainage system.

2. It flows through three countries.

3. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation.

4. It does not form distributaries.

Select the answer from the following:

(a) Brahmaputra (b) Indus © Sutlej (d) Teesta

Answer: © Sutlej

The Sutlej fits all four points: it is an antecedent river (predates and cuts through the rising Himalayas via deep gorges); it flows through China (Tibet), India, and Pakistan; it originates near Lake Rakshastal (close to Mansarovar) on the Tibetan Plateau and is vital for irrigation (e.g., Bhakra-Nangal Dam, canal systems in Punjab/Haryana/Rajasthan); and as a tributary of the Indus system (joining the Chenab to form the Panjnad), it does not form independent distributaries or its own delta. Brahmaputra and Indus form deltas with distributaries; Teesta originates mainly in Sikkim (not the Tibetan Plateau) and flows primarily through two countries (India and Bangladesh).

Proper nouns and their appearancesKey terms: Sutlej (also Satluj/Shatadru), Brahmaputra, Indus, Teesta, Tibetan Plateau, antecedent drainage system, and related features such as Rakshastal/Mansarovar, Shipki La, Bhakra-Nangal, and Indus Waters Treaty references.

NCERT and standard textbooks: Antecedent drainage (Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra cutting gorges through the Himalayas), origins on the Tibetan Plateau, and the Indus system rivers appear in Class 11 India: Physical Environment (drainage systems, Himalayan rivers) and related geography chapters.
Government sources (PIB, official sites): Frequent coverage of Bhakra-Nangal and other multipurpose projects on the Sutlej for irrigation and power; Indus Waters Treaty allocations (eastern rivers including Sutlej to India); water-sharing disputes (e.g., SYL canal); and hydrological data. MoEFCC/Jal Shakti Ministry materials and project reports reference the river’s transboundary nature and irrigation role.
The Hindu, Indian Express, and other English newspapers: Regular static and recent coverage of Sutlej in the context of the Indus Waters Treaty, Punjab–Haryana water disputes (SYL), floods/hazard surveys, irrigation dependence in Punjab, climate impacts on eastern Indus tributaries (rainfall/groundwater decline), and occasional features on its Tibetan origin or historical role (e.g., Partition boundary). India Today and similar outlets have published explanatory pieces on its course through three countries, Tibetan source, and non-flow through Nepal. Brahmaputra and Indus appear far more often in flood, geopolitics (China/Bangladesh/Pakistan), and delta contexts; Teesta features in India–Bangladesh water-sharing news. “Antecedent drainage” itself is mainly textbook/exam terminology and rarely appears in general newspaper reporting.

26. Which of the following with reference to Indian States is/are not correct?

1. Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States.

2. Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States.

3. Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) © 1 and 2 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: © 2 and 3

Statement 1 is correct: Uttar Pradesh shares borders with the highest number of other Indian states (8: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar; plus the UT of Delhi).
Statement 2 is incorrect: Rajasthan has the longest border with Pakistan (~1,070 km), but West Bengal has the longest overall international border among Indian states (~2,217 km with Bangladesh).
Statement 3 is incorrect: Sikkim shares a boundary with only one other Indian state (West Bengal), but it is not the only such state — Meghalaya also shares its domestic border exclusively with Assam.

Thus, the statements that are not correct are 2 and 3. These are standard geographic facts appearing in:

Official/government sources: Survey of India political maps, NCERT Class 9–12 Geography textbooks (India — Physical Environment / Contemporary India), Ministry of Home Affairs/Border Management materials, and occasional PIB notes on border lengths or state boundaries.
Newspapers: The Hindu, Indian Express, and other English dailies regularly reference these in geography features, border-security stories (e.g., India–Bangladesh or India–Pakistan fencing), Northeast connectivity pieces, or exam-oriented explainers.

27. Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct?

1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds.

2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites.

3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (a) 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct. The annual arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake (near Pangti village, Wokha district, Nagaland) is a well-documented success of community-led conservation. Local hunters shifted to protectors after 2012–13 awareness campaigns, bans, and ecotourism initiatives, allowing safe stopovers for the migratory birds. Statement 2 is incorrect: Satellite/GPS tracking has been used by scientists (e.g., BNHS, Wildlife Institute of India) to study migration routes after protection began, but it does not guide the birds. Migration is instinctive. Statement 3 is incorrect: Amur Falcons are long-distance migrants (breeding grounds mainly in Siberia/northeast Asia to non-breeding grounds in southern/eastern Africa). They use Doyang only as a temporary stopover (typically October–November) to refuel; they are not permanent residents in India.

Proper nouns evaluation and sources

Amur Falcons (Falco amurensis): Named after the Amur region (southeastern Siberia/Manchuria). They undertake one of the longest raptor migrations (~20,000–22,000 km round trip), with a major stopover in northeast India.
Doyang Lake / Doyang Reservoir: Artificial reservoir created by the Doyang Hydro Electric Project on the Doyang River (largest in Nagaland), near Pangti village in Wokha district. It became a key roosting/feeding site (insects over the water) after dam construction around 2000; it hosts the world’s largest known congregation of the species (sometimes hundreds of thousands to over a million birds).

Key appearances

PIB / government sources: 2015 PIB release on Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar’s visit to Doyang Lake, noting the community conservation success, tagging of birds (e.g., “Naga” and “Pangti”), and plans for eco-tourism. Nagaland DIPR and state forest department orders (including recent temporary silence zones around the roost) regularly highlight protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and CMS.
The Hindu / Frontline: Detailed features on the “massacre to conservation miracle” story (e.g., 2025 Frontline article on Pangti village’s transformation from hunters to protectors, Amur Falcon Festival, and ongoing monitoring). Coverage spans the 2012 hunting revelations through annual migration seasons.
Indian Express and other English newspapers: Reports on the 2012 hunting crisis, subsequent community turnaround, satellite tagging, eco-tourism, and annual arrivals (also covered in The Better India, National Herald, ThePrint, and conservation outlets). The story is frequently cited as a model of local conservation success.

28. Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?

1. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas

2. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions

3. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS)

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (d) 3 only

Only statement 3 is correct. The Rainfed Area Development (RAD) component under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aims to enhance productivity and minimise climatic risks in rainfed areas by promoting Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). These systems integrate multi-cropping, rotational/inter/mixed cropping with allied activities (horticulture, livestock, fishery, agroforestry, etc.) for diversified, climate-resilient livelihoods. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: RAD explicitly discourages monoculture/single-cropping and targets rainfed (not irrigated) areas, without any objective of increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions.

Proper nouns evaluation and sources

Rainfed Area Development (RAD): A key component/sub-scheme of NMSA (operational since 2014–15), focused on rainfed areas via area-based/watershed-plus approaches and IFS models developed by ICAR. It supports diversification to build resilience against drought and extreme weather.
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): One of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It promotes productive, sustainable, remunerative, and climate-resilient agriculture, with a strong emphasis on rainfed areas, soil health, water-use efficiency (“more crop per drop”), and integrated farming.
Integrated Farming Systems (IFS): Core strategy of RAD/NMSA involving combined crop–livestock–horticulture–fishery–agroforestry systems for higher returns and risk reduction.

AppearancesThese terms appear routinely in official government documents and PIB releases. NMSA guidelines (available via agriculture ministry / state sites such as nmsa.dac.gov.in and state agriculture departments) state the objectives of promoting location-specific IFS, natural resource conservation, and climate resilience, while noting that single-cropping is not recommended. Recent PIB releases (e.g., 2025–2026) detail RAD implementation statistics (funds released, area covered, farmers benefited) and explicitly link it to IFS for diversified, risk-resilient agriculture under NMSA / PM-RKVY.

Coverage in The Hindu, Indian Express, and other English newspapers is typically secondary — appearing in reports on climate-resilient agriculture, budget allocations for NMSA components, or government scheme updates — rather than as standalone major news stories. The concepts are standard in agricultural policy and UPSC-oriented material drawn directly from official guidelines and PIB.

29. Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of obtaining Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in the global textile industry?

1. It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products.

2. It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only © Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: © Both 1 and 2

Both statements correctly describe the main implications. Oeko-Tex (Standard 100) certification verifies that textiles are free from harmful substances and produced under environmentally responsible conditions. For Eri Silk (already a GI-tagged “vegan/ahimsa” silk from Northeast India), this opens access to premium global markets that demand chemical-free, safe, and eco-conscious products, allowing Indian exporters to compete at the high end.

Proper nouns and sources

Oeko-Tex / OEKO-TEX (international textile certification system, primarily Standard 100, testing for hundreds of harmful substances; administered by an association of independent institutes, with strong German roots).
Eri Silk (also called Ahimsa or vegan silk; produced mainly in Assam and other Northeast states from Samia ricini cocoons without killing the moth; GI product of Assam).
Related: NEHHDC (North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation, under Ministry of DoNER), which obtained the certification.

Where they appeared

PIB / official government sources: Primary origin. Press releases dated 16 August 2024 (PRID 2046099) announcing that NEHHDC secured Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk directly from Germany on Independence Day, and a March 2025 Rajya Sabha reply (PRID 2113212) reiterating the certification’s role in meeting international safety/quality standards and enabling acceptance in high-end markets. These explicitly link the certification to global marketability, chemical-free status, and export potential.
English newspapers: Covered in The Times of India (August 2024 report on the achievement and its boost to sustainable textiles). Appearances in The Hindu and Indian Express are limited or indirect in available records; the story received more traction in regional/national English dailies and specialised textile outlets than sustained front-page coverage in those two.

30. Ships from which of the following countries have to cross the Strait of Hormuz to reach out to the Indian Ocean?

1. Bahrain 2. Syria 3. Qatar 4. Egypt

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 (Bahrain and Qatar)

The Strait of Hormuz is the sole maritime exit from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Oman and then the Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean. Bahrain and Qatar lie entirely within the Persian Gulf, so their ships must cross it. Syria has a Mediterranean coastline (route via Suez Canal → Red Sea → Bab el-Mandeb). Egypt has Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts (Suez or direct Red Sea access); neither needs the Strait of Hormuz.

Proper nouns and their appearances

Key terms: Strait of Hormuz, Bahrain, Syria, Qatar, Egypt, Indian Ocean.

Strait of Hormuz: Extremely frequent in recent English-language coverage (especially 2026 amid Iran-related tensions, shipping disruptions, oil/LNG flows, and Indian vessel tracking). Appears regularly in The Hindu (e.g., geopolitical explainers noting dependence of Persian Gulf states including Bahrain and Qatar), Indian Express (blockade explainers linking it to the Indian Ocean and global energy), India Today, and other dailies. Also standard in geography and international-relations reporting. PIB coverage is more limited/indirect (shipping or energy ministry contexts during disruptions) rather than pure geography.
Bahrain and Qatar: Routinely listed among the fully enclosed Persian Gulf states dependent on Hormuz for seaborne access (alongside Kuwait and Iraq). Mentioned in the same 2026 shipping/oil reports in The Hindu, Indian Express, and international wires when discussing chokepoint vulnerability. Appear in UPSC-oriented geography notes and standard atlases.
Syria and Egypt: Appear in broader Middle East or Suez Canal stories, but not in connection with Hormuz (their routes use the Mediterranean/Red Sea). Occasional mentions in The Hindu/Indian Express regional coverage; no linkage to Hormuz for reaching the Indian Ocean.
Indian Ocean: Common reference point in these reports as the destination beyond the Gulf of Oman.

Recent news (2025–2026): Heavy coverage of Hormuz transit, Iranian/US actions, Qatari LNG, and Indian shipping in The Hindu, Indian Express, India Today, and others. Bahrain and Qatar are repeatedly noted as fully dependent; Syria and Egypt are not. PIB focuses more on Indian shipping safety or energy imports during the same period.

31. Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries? (a) Ecuador (b) Peru © Bolivia (d) Colombia

Answer: (a) Ecuador

Tungurahua is an active stratovolcano in the Andes of central Ecuador (Tungurahua and Chimborazo provinces, near Baños de Agua Santa). UNESCO designated the surrounding area as the Tungurahua Volcano UNESCO Global Geopark in April 2025 (official recognition by the Executive Board around 10 April 2025; it joined Ecuador’s existing Imbabura Geopark, alongside the new Napo Sumaco Geopark).

Proper nouns and their appearances

Tungurahua Volcano (also called “Throat of Fire” from Quechua): Long-established geographic/volcanological name for the active stratovolcano in Ecuador’s Eastern Cordillera. Standard in Wikipedia, scientific literature, and tourism references for decades; eruptions (notably 1999–2016) received periodic international coverage.
UNESCO Global Geopark (Tungurahua Volcano UNESCO Global Geopark): Official designation in 2025. Primary sources are UNESCO’s own pages and Ecuadorian government sites (provincial governments of Tungurahua/Chimborazo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The geopark covers ~2,397 km² across five municipalities and highlights geological history (>417 million years), volcanic features, hot springs, seismic history, and indigenous cultural heritage (e.g., Salasaca and Puruhá peoples).

32. With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025.

2. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park.

3. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (b) 1 and 2

Statement 1 is correct: Madhav National Park (Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh) was notified as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve (and Madhya Pradesh’s 9th) in March 2025 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / NTCA.
Statement 2 is correct: Sakhya Sagar (also referred to as Sankhya Sagar), an artificial lake/reservoir, was designated a Ramsar Site in 2022 and lies within the park.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The park (and the tiger reserve core/buffer) lies entirely within Madhya Pradesh; it is not shared with Rajasthan (though it forms part of a broader tiger corridor linking toward Ranthambore).

Evaluation of proper nouns and sources

Madhav National Park: Established as a national park in the late 1950s (originally Shivpuri National Park; renamed after Madho Rao Scindia). Located in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh. Covered routinely in government tourism and forest department pages and standard wildlife references.
Tiger Reserve status (2025) / 58th Tiger Reserve: Officially notified in March 2025. Widely reported in The Indian Express (explained pieces on the new reserve and corridors), The Hindu (including coverage of PM Modi’s remarks on the 58th reserve), India Today, and other English dailies. Also reflected in Ministry/NTCA announcements and related PIB-style statements by the Environment Minister.
Sakhya Sagar (Ramsar Site): Designated a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site №2483) on 7 January 2022. Documented on the official Ramsar Sites Information Service and in Indian environment reporting (including Down to Earth and coverage linked to Madhya Pradesh wetlands). Confirmed as lying inside Madhav National Park in park descriptions and the same March 2025 tiger-reserve news cycle.
Madhya Pradesh / Rajasthan: The park’s exclusive location in Madhya Pradesh appears in official district and Wikipedia-sourced geographic descriptions, as well as in the 2025 news reports on the tiger reserve notification. Mentions of proximity or corridor value to Rajasthan (Ranthambore) occur in Indian Express and India Today analyses but do not support any shared-area claim.

33. With reference to the climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate.

2. It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon.

3. Maximum precipitation is between December and May.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (b) 1 and 2

Statement 1 is correct: The islands have a humid, tropical coastal (maritime) climate with high humidity (typically 70–90%) and equable temperatures year-round.Statement 2 is correct: They receive rainfall from both the southwest monsoon (mainly May–September) and the northeast/retreating monsoon (mainly October–December).Statement 3 is incorrect: Maximum precipitation occurs roughly from May to December; the December–May window includes the relatively drier months (especially January–April).

Proper nouns evaluationThe main proper noun is Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Official/government sources (including PIB): Frequently appear in Press Information Bureau releases on tourism, infrastructure, tribal affairs, disaster management, biodiversity, and development schemes for the Union Territory. Official descriptions of the climate as “humid, tropical coastal” and notes on dual-monsoon rainfall are found in Andaman & Nicobar Administration / meteorological documents and related government reports.
The Hindu, Indian Express, and other English newspapers: Regular coverage on cyclones/weather events, tourism, environmental issues, strategic importance, and occasional climate/rainfall patterns. Dual-monsoon influence and heavy rainfall seasons are sometimes referenced in weather or travel features, detailed climate classification is common in academic or exam-oriented material.

34. Which of the following geographical features or phenomena is/are associated with the Peninsular Block of India?

1. Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity

2. Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills

3. Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 © 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (b) 1 and 2

Statement 1 is correct: The western margin of the Peninsular Block experienced tectonic subsidence/submergence (especially in the early Tertiary), producing a submerged coastline with features such as estuaries and backwaters.Statement 2 is correct: The Peninsular Block consists largely of ancient relict/residual hills formed by long denudation; NCERT explicitly lists Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills among them (along with Aravalli, Nallamala, Javadi, Palkonda, etc.).Statement 3 is incorrect: Peninsular rivers are mature and flow over an old, stable landmass, forming broad, shallow valleys with low gradients. Deep, V-shaped valleys are characteristic of youthful Himalayan rivers.

Proper nouns and sources

Peninsular Block (of India): Standard term in Indian physical geography for the ancient, rigid Deccan/Indian Shield landmass south of the Himalayas. It appears prominently in NCERT Class 11 India — Physical Environment (Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography), which describes it as a stable block with limited tectonic activity except for western-coast submergence and residual hills. Also used in standard geography textbooks and UPSC materials.
Veliconda hills (also spelled Velikonda/Veligonda): A residual hill range in the Eastern Ghats (mainly Andhra Pradesh, south of the Nallamala range). Explicitly cited in NCERT Class 11 as an example of relict/residual mountains of the Peninsula.
Mahendragiri hills: Residual hills in the northern Eastern Ghats (Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border; peak ~1,501 m). Likewise listed in the same NCERT passage as a residual feature of the Peninsular Block.

35. Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India:

I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure.

II. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings.

III. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions.

Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct?

1. Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in statement I.

2. Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework.

3. Statement I contradicts statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation.

Select the answer using the code given below:

Answer: (b) 1 and 2

Statement I correctly describes the core aim of the Sagarmala Programme (launched 2015) as port-led development through efficient, sustainable coastal and related infrastructure.

Statement II accurately reflects documented outcomes, including growth in coastal shipping and inland waterways traffic plus improved global rankings of Indian ports.

Statement III correctly characterises Sagarmala 2.0 as the next phase that expands the original goals toward a global maritime innovation hub in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Relationship 1 holds because the achievements in II demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategies in I.

Relationship 2 holds because III builds on and future-orients the objectives of I.

Relationship 3 is incorrect: there is continuity rather than contradiction between traditional infrastructure focus and the innovation agenda of Sagarmala 2.0.

Proper nouns and their appearances

Sagarmala Programme / SagarmalaOfficial flagship scheme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for port-led development (launched March 2015). Regularly covered in PIB releases (e.g., progress updates on projects completed, cargo handled, turnaround times). Appears in The Hindu BusinessLine, Mint, Business Standard, Zee News, and other English dailies in reports on maritime infrastructure, coastal shipping growth, and logistics efficiency (static coverage since 2015; ongoing updates through 2025–26).

Sagarmala 2.0Next-phase iteration (announced/discussed from ~2025 onward) that builds on the original programme, with expanded focus on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, innovation, green practices, and positioning India as a global maritime hub. Sources: Official ministry/PIB statements linking it to Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047; budgetary proposals and investment targets reported in Mint, Business Standard, The Hindu BusinessLine, The Week, and PIB notes (2025–2026). Explicitly aligned with national visions in government communications.

Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047Broader national frameworks frequently invoked in official Sagarmala 2.0 messaging (PIB, ministry sites) to frame self-reliance and developed-India goals by 2047. These terms appear routinely across PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, and other English newspapers in economic and infrastructure contexts, including maritime and logistics coverage.

36. Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid):

1. It is an epiphytic orchid.

2. The species is endemic to North-east India.

3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: (b) 1 and 3

Statement 1 is correct: Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid) is an epiphytic orchid (grows on other plants/trees for support).
Statement 2 is incorrect: It is not endemic to North-east India. It has a wide distribution across South and Southeast Asia (including Bhutan, Nepal, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.) and, within India, also occurs in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and other areas.
Statement 3 is correct: It is the State flower of both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam (known as Kopou Phool in Assam, with strong cultural links to Bihu).

Proper nouns evaluation and sources

Rhynchostylis retusa / Foxtail orchid (Kopou Phool)

Scientific and common names appear in botanical references (Kew Plants of the World Online, Wikipedia) and state symbol lists.
State flower status: Confirmed in official state information (Arunachal Pradesh DIPR “About State” pages and Assam government notifications; Assam adopted it around 2003). It is listed as the state flower of both states in multiple compilations of Indian state symbols.
The Hindu / Indian Express / other English newspapers: Coverage is mainly cultural rather than scientific. In Assam it features regularly in Bihu festival reporting (dancers wear Kopou Phool in their hair; symbol of love, fertility and spring). Occasional mentions appear in features on Northeast biodiversity, state symbols, orchid conservation, or Bihu.

37. Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct?

1. They acted as army fortresses.

2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles.

3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles.

4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles.

Select the answer using the code given below:

Moidams (also spelled Maidams) are the royal burial mounds/necropolis of the Tai-Ahom kings, queens, and nobles at Charaideo in Assam. They are funerary structures (hollow vaults under earth mounds containing remains and grave goods), not fortresses, recreation centres, or battle drill centres. This is confirmed by UNESCO descriptions and official records.

Evaluation of proper nouns

Key proper nouns: Moidams (Maidams / Mound-Burial System), Tai-Ahom kingdom (Ahom dynasty), UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 2024 as India’s 43rd site; full official name “Moidams — the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty”), and the associated site Charaideo (Choraideo / Che-Rai-Doi).

Appearances:

PIB (Press Information Bureau): Extensive official coverage around the July 2024 inscription at the 46th World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi. Multiple releases (e.g., 26 July 2024) detail the site as the royal mound-burial necropolis of the Tai-Ahom, India’s first cultural World Heritage Site from the Northeast, and the third overall from Assam. Later notes cover the formal certificate handover.
The Hindu, Indian Express, and other English newspapers: Widespread reporting in July 2024 (inscription announcement) and follow-ups into 2025 (certificate presentation in Paris). Coverage appears in national dailies (The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India, India Today, Deccan Herald, etc.) and regional editions, describing the site as the 600-year-old royal burial mounds of Ahom kings and nobles, comparing them to pyramids or Chinese tombs, and highlighting the cultural significance for Assam and Northeast India.

38. At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and “Blue Transformation”.

Which of the following combinations about the “Four Betters” proposed by FAO for “Blue Transformation” is correct?

(a) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better ocean

(b) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life

(d) Better estuaries, better nutrition, better environment and better mangrove vegetation

Correct answer: (b) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life

FAO’s “Four Betters” (from its Strategic Framework 2022–2031) are: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life (leaving no one behind). “Blue Transformation” is FAO’s vision for sustainable aquatic food systems (fisheries and aquaculture) that advances these Four Betters. This was reaffirmed by FAO at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France.

Third UN Ocean Conference (also called UNOC3), held 9–13 June 2025 in Nice, France (co-hosted by France and Costa Rica). Focused on accelerating action for SDG 14 (Life below water). Outcome: Nice Ocean Action Plan (political declaration + voluntary commitments). Covered in UN News, UN press releases, IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin, The Hindu (e.g., “What was decided at the UN Oceans Conference?” explained piece, June 2025), Indian Express (pre- and during-conference coverage, including India’s statements on BBNJ/High Seas Treaty ratification process), and related international reporting. Indian government references appear via Ministry of Earth Sciences / Fisheries statements at the event.

39. Which of the following statements with reference to Lake Turkana is/are correct?

1. It is the largest desert lake in the world.

2. The lake is situated in South Sudan along the eastern fringe of the Sahara desert.

3. The lake is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also referred to as the ‘Jade Sea’.

Select the answer using the code given below:

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Statement 1 is correct: Lake Turkana is widely recognised as the world’s largest permanent desert lake (also the largest alkaline lake).
Statement 2 is incorrect: It lies mainly in northern Kenya, with its northern tip extending into Ethiopia (East African Rift Valley). It is not in South Sudan and is not on the eastern fringe of the Sahara.
Statement 3 is correct: The Lake Turkana National Parks (Sibiloi, Central Island, and South Island) form a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the lake is popularly called the “Jade Sea” because of its turquoise/green colour from algae.

Proper nouns and their appearances

Lake Turkana (also formerly Lake Rudolf)

Core geographic and environmental term. Appears routinely in UNESCO World Heritage listings, Britannica, Wikipedia, NASA Earth Observatory, and scientific literature as the world’s largest permanent desert/alkaline lake in the Kenyan Rift (northern tip in Ethiopia).
In Indian English newspapers: Occasional mentions in The Hindu and Indian Express in the context of African geography, climate/environment stories, paleontology (“cradle of humankind” fossils at Koobi Fora), or hydropolitics (threats from Ethiopia’s Omo River dams/Gilgel Gibe).

Jade Sea

Popular nickname for Lake Turkana, derived from its striking turquoise/green colour caused by algae. Explicitly used by UNESCO, Britannica, and travel/scientific sources.
Newspaper presence: Appears alongside “Lake Turkana” in descriptive or feature articles in The Hindu/Indian Express and other English outlets when the lake is profiled.

40. Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?

(a) Uttarakhand REDD+ project

(b) ICFRE-ICIMOD Transboundary REDD+ project in North-Eastern Himalayas

(d) Sikkim Mamley Kamrang Community REDD+ project

The Khasi Hills Community REDD+ Project (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya) is India’s first Plan Vivo-certified REDD+ project. It was initiated around 2011, received Plan Vivo certification in 2013, covers roughly 27,000 ha of cloud forest (including sacred groves and watersheds), and is community-managed by a federation of indigenous Khasi kingdoms (himas/Synjuk). It focuses on avoided deforestation and assisted natural regeneration, generating carbon credits while supporting local livelihoods.

The other options are later pilots, capacity-building efforts, or different initiatives (e.g., ICFRE-ICIMOD transboundary work from ~2015–16 onward; Uttarakhand REDD+ readiness/Van Panchayat-focused activities; Sikkim community efforts) and are not the first Plan Vivo-certified project.

Proper nouns and appearances

Key terms

Plan Vivo: International voluntary carbon standard focused on community-based land-use and forestry projects (issues Plan Vivo Certificates for verified climate benefits with strong social co-benefits).
REDD+: UNFCCC framework for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (plus conservation, sustainable management, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks).
Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project: The specific Meghalaya project described above.
Uttarakhand REDD+ project: Refers to state-level pilots/readiness activities (often linked to ICFRE, Van Panchayats, or carbon inventory work).
ICFRE-ICIMOD Transboundary REDD+ project in North-Eastern Himalayas: Collaborative capacity-building and State REDD+ Action Plan work (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar) under the REDD+ Himalaya programme.
Sikkim Mamley Kamrang Community REDD+ project: A later or proposed community-level initiative in Sikkim (less prominent in standard references as “first”).

UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026: Analysis (Questions 21–40)

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