Static Quiz 02 March 2026 (Environment)

Q1. With reference to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, consider the following statements:

1. The Act now applies to Jammu & Kashmir.
2. After the 2022 amendment, the Act contains four schedules.
3. A separate schedule for vermin continues to exist.
4. A new schedule was added for the implementation of CITES.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct
  • After the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, central laws including the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 became applicable to J&K.
• Statement 2 – Correct
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 rationalised schedules from six to four:
    • Schedule I – Highest protection.
    • Schedule II – Other specially protected animals.
    • Schedule III – Protected plants.
    • Schedule IV – CITES-listed specimens.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect
  • The earlier Schedule V (Vermin) has been removed.
  • Power to declare vermin now rests with the Centre via notification.
• Statement 4 – Correct
  • A dedicated schedule created for CITES compliance (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).

Q2. Which of the following bodies is constituted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960?

A. National Board for Wildlife
B. Central Zoo Authority
C. Animal Welfare Board of India
D. National Tiger Conservation Authority

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

• Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI):
  • Constituted under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
  • Statutory advisory body under MoEFCC.
  • Advises on animal welfare policies and implementation.

Why Others Are Wrong ?

• National Board for Wildlife – Under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Central Zoo Authority – Under WPA, 1972.
• National Tiger Conservation Authority – Under WPA (2006 Amendment).

Q3. Which of the following constitutional provisions are directly related to environmental protection?

1. Article 21
2. Article 48A
3. Article 51A(g)
4. Article 46

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 2 and 3 only

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

• Article 21 – Correct
  • Interpreted by Supreme Court to include right to clean environment.
  • Key Case: Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991).
• Article 48A – Correct
  • DPSP: State shall protect and improve environment and safeguard forests & wildlife.
• Article 51A(g) – Correct
  • Fundamental Duty: Citizens must protect and improve natural environment.
• Article 46 – Incorrect
  • Concerns promotion of educational & economic interests of weaker sections.

Q4. With reference to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018, consider the following statements:

1. The CRZ 2018 Notification is based on the recommendations of the Shailesh Nayak Committee.
2. The Shailesh Nayak Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in June 2014.
3. The committee recommended stricter centralised regulatory control over coastal areas.
4. One of the objectives of the committee’s recommendations was to promote tourism and port-led development.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct
  • CRZ 2018 based on recommendations of the Shailesh Nayak Committee.
• Statement 2 – Correct
  • Committee constituted in June 2014 by MoEFCC.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect
  • Committee recommended decentralisation, not stricter central control.
  • More powers to State/UT Coastal Zone Management Authorities.
• Statement 4 – Correct
  • Objective: Promote tourism, port-led development, coastal infrastructure.

Q5. The enactment of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was primarily influenced by:

A. Rio Earth Summit, 1992
B. Kyoto Protocol, 1997
C. Stockholm Conference, 1972
D. Paris Agreement, 2015

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

• EPA, 1986 enacted under Article 253 of the Constitution.
• Direct outcome of India’s commitment at the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment, 1972.
• Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) accelerated enactment.

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