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Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Konkan Railways, Shirui Lily Festival and more (Week 111)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The Shirui Lily Festival is one of the major tourism festivals organised by: (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Sikkim (c) Kerala (d) Manipur Explanation — Imphalgram, a popular Instagram handle headquartered in Imphal, posted a video of a 'road trip' to the hill station of Ukhrul, which is around 80 miles away. The film depicts the creators going to Ukhrul via gorgeous hill roads, passing by markets and security officers and cars that have become common in the state during the last two years. — They visit various locations during the Shirui Lily Festival, one of two major tourism events conducted by the Manipur government. — The Shirui Lily Festival takes place in Ukhrul town and Shirui hamlet in Ukhrul district, where the Tangkhul Naga population is the majority. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to Delhi's Morphological Ridge, consider the following statements: 1. It is the tail-end of the city's ancient Vindhyan hill range. 2. It works as a green lung for the capital and a natural barrier against hazards such as desertification and pollution. 3. This region primarily features tropical dry thorn forest characterised by scattered trees, thorny scrubs and drought-resistant plant species. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Supreme Court issued show cause notices to senior Delhi government officials, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner, and a private developer, seeking explanations for alleged violations of its 1996 directive under the M C Mehta vs Union of India case, as well as for proceeding with the construction of a housing society in the 'morphological ridge' area, an ecologically sensitive zone in Vasant Kunj. — The Delhi Ridge is the end of the city's ancient Aravalli hill range and an ecologically sensitive area. It serves as the capital's green lung and a natural barrier to threats such as desertification and pollution. This Ridge, which enters Delhi from Gurgaon in the southwest, spans for approximately 35 km from the south of Mahipalpur to the southeast of Tughlakabad, eventually ending in Wazirabad on the western side of the Yamuna River. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct. — In contrast, the Morphological Ridge is a geologically enlarged Ridge area. It is not formally designated as forest land, but it has received protection under multiple High Court and Supreme Court decisions over the last decade. It has the same rocky outcrop and vegetation cover as the designated Ridge area. — The region has the same physical and ecological characteristics as the officially defined Ridge, including stony Aravalli outcrops, shallow soil layers, and dry thorn forest vegetation. This land is sometimes referred to as 'gair mumkin pahad' (uncultivable rocky hill) in revenue documents. — The Morphological Ridge area primarily features tropical dry thorn forest characterised by scattered trees, thorny scrubs and drought-resistant plant species. The native species generally exhibit stunted growth. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. What are the reasons for the flooding in Bengaluru every year? 1. Elevation of the city 2. It lacks a major river to channel excess water naturally. 3. Construction on Lake beds 4. Poor drainage system Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its earlier warning to red alert in seven coastal and south interior districts of Karnataka. Meanwhile, Bengaluru, despite consistent rainfall throughout the day, is still under the Orange alert category. Why is Bengaluru prone to flooding every year? — The city's topography may partly explain its flooding woes. Bengaluru is situated on an elevation of about 900 meters and lacks a major river to channel excess water naturally, unlike other metropolitan areas. — In the year 1800, Bengaluru, then a 740 sq km region, had 1,452 water bodies with a water storage capacity of 35 TMC (thousand million cubic feet), allowing for optimal rainwater harvesting and flood mitigation. — Bengaluru also has interconnected lake systems, with around 190 lakes currently. The city's rapid expansion has resulted in widespread encroachment on both lake beds and linking valley zones, in breach of ecological standards. — Vishwanath S, a water expert and urban planner, explains that locations constructed on lake beds, such as ST Bed Layout and Manyata Tech Park, are naturally prone to urban flooding. He further claimed that the SWD system along Hosur Road in Electronic City had 'disappeared' due to increased urbanisation, resulting in heavy waterlogging. — Environmentalists and water conservationists have also expressed concern over the city's current drainage system, which they claim is obsolete and inadequate to handle the city's current population and rainfall intensity. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. What is the correct sequence of the lion population (top to bottom) according to the 2025 Lion census? 1. Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary 2. Gir National Park and surrounding area 3. Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary 4. Savarkundla Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1—2—3—4 (b) 2—1—3—4 (c) 2—1—4—3 (d) 1—2—4—3 Explanation — The most recent population assessment exercise in Gujarat found 891 lions, representing a 32% increase in population since 2020. Lions' range has grown by 17% over the last five years, from 30,000 to 35,000 square kilometres, and they currently cover 58 talukas (up from 53 in 2020) throughout 11 districts. — Asiatic lions have recovered dramatically from a population of less than 200 in the 1960s, when their last home in Gir was designated for special protection. For the most part, this progress has been long and steady—the population did not reach 300 until 1995, when the lion broke free from the shelter of the woodlands. — The correct sequence is Gir National Park and surrounding area, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and Savarkundla Wildlife Sanctuary. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Konkan Railways (KR), consider the following statements: 1. It was established in 1990 to carry out the difficult task of constructing railway lines through the rocky Western Ghats. 2. The KR spreads over Maharashtra and Goa only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — The Maharashtra government has officially decided to merge the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) and Indian Railways. Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala have already authorised the merger, and Maharashtra's vote paves the door for the complete integration of one of India's most scenic and strategically important railway lines into the wider national network. — The Konkan Railway (KR) was formed in 1990 as a special purpose vehicle within the Ministry of Railways to undertake the challenging task of building railway lines across the steep Western Ghats. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The project, which formally commenced operations in January 1998, aimed to connect Roha in Maharashtra, Goa, Mangaluru in Karnataka, and coastal Kerala, serving as a lifeline for both goods and passenger transit along the Konkan coastline. The KRCL was established as a joint venture with the Government of India holding a 51% share, Maharashtra 22%, Karnataka 15%, and Goa and Kerala 6% each. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 110) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 110) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Housing project at morphological ridge: SC showcauses Delhi govt officials, MCD chief & builder over ‘violations'
The Supreme Court has issued show cause notices to senior Delhi government officials, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner, and a private developer, seeking explanations for alleged violations of its 1996 directive under the M C Mehta vs Union of India case and going ahead with construction of a housing society in the 'morphological ridge' area, an ecologically sensitive zone, in Vasant Kunj. The 1996 directive has held that ridge land must be safeguarded against encroachment and non-forest use without prior court approval. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, in an order dated May 7, directed that notices be issued to Delhi Principal Secretary (Environment and Forests) Anil Kumar Singh, Deputy Conservator of Forests (West) Amit Gemawat and MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar. Notices were also issued to Rakesh Sharma and Sunita Sharma, partners in RR Texknit LLP, which is building the housing project at Vasant Kunj's morphological ridge area. The action stems from a contempt petition filed by environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari, who had challenged the permissions granted to the housing project being developed by RR Texknit LLP. The Indian Express had reported on March 25 that the project – touted as the first private housing scheme in the fragile morphological ridge area to receive a conditional environmental clearance without approval from the SC – would come up on an area of 25,650 sq m, and include three basements, a stilt, and nine floors. The development had sparked protests from environmentalists and local residents, who argued that it violated longstanding SC orders mandating preservation of the ridge in its 'pristine glory'. The case pertains to the protection of Delhi's ridge, an important green area that acts as the city's lung and a key part of the Aravalli Range. Though not entirely notified under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the SC, in multiple orders, including the landmark 1996 directive, had held that ridge land must be safeguarded against encroachment and non-forest use without prior court approval. In 2016, the SC had held that even land outside the notified ridge area but with similar morphological features requires clearance from the Ridge Management Board and prior permission from the court for non-forest use. The contempt petition alleged that the authorities were not only aware of these restrictions but actively facilitated the project. It cited failure to act on illegal tree felling, and contradictory status reports filed on part of the Forest Department. 'Counter affidavit shall be filed by the respondents within a period of two weeks…,' read Wednesday's order. In the order, however, the SC had deferred serving show cause notice to Mandeep Mittal and Vipul Pandey, both former deputy conservators of forests (West), and Gyanesh Bharti, former MCD commissioner, noting that they had since been transferred. However, leaving open the possibility of issuing notices to them at a later stage, the SC said, 'If need be, notice will be issued to them at an appropriate stage.'
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SC issues contempt notices over vacancies in NCR pollution control boards
The Supreme Court on Thursday issued contempt notices to chief secretaries of Delhi and states in the National Capital Region (NCR) over large number of vacancies in pollution control boards. Directing the Delhi chief secretary to appear in person on May 19, the court noted the 'sorry state of affairs' in the Delhi pollution control committee (DPCC) that was virtually defunct with 55% vacancies. The court order came in a public interest litigation filed by lawyer-activist MC Mehta in which a direction was issued on August 27, 2024 setting a deadline of April 30, 2025, for filling up all vacant posts in their Delhi-NCR pollution control boards in order to strengthen the statutory mechanism to fight pollution in the Capital. The position in neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan was no better, having 45% vacancy followed by Haryana with 35% vacant posts. 'We find it's a very sorry state of affairs... We can safely say as far as DPCC is concerned, with almost 55% posts vacant, it is non-functional,' said a bench comprising justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan. The court underlined the powers and functions entrusted to pollution boards under the Environment Protection Act, Air Act, Water Act, and other laws, which makes it necessary that these boards function at full strength to discharge their statutory obligations. Summoning the chief secretaries for disregarding the order of the court, the bench said, 'We direct notice of contempt be sent to chief secretaries of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The notices shall call upon the chief secretary as to why they should not be punished for contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.' While the chief secretaries of UP, Haryana and Rajasthan, were permitted to appear online on July 18, with regard to Delhi, the court directed chief secretary's personal presence on May 19. Further, it added, 'We make it clear that non-compliance till the returnable date will make out a case of aggravated contempt.' While Delhi government counsel Jyoti Mendiratta requested for more time for filling up posts as May 19 was just 10 days away, the court stressed that for last several years, Delhi has been facing a huge problem of air pollution, requiring even the court to pass drastic orders such as GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) measures, firecracker ban, ban on entry of vehicles other than those running on clean fuel, etc. 'In this backdrop, we are shocked to know that DPCC is virtually defunct with 55% posts control boards and committees play a very crucial role in preventing pollution and enforcing laws related to pollution,' the court said. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) presented pan-India figures before the court revealing that states such as Bihar and Jharkhand fared much worse with 90% vacancy while many states had vacancy above 60%. The court found that even the CPCB had 21% of posts vacant. Giving time till end of September to all pollution boards to fill up vacant posts, the court asked the Centre to ensure CPCB also functions at full strength by end of August this year. Senior advocate Aparjita Singh, assisting the court as amicus curiae told the court that the states, particularly in Delhi-NCR cannot drag their feet on filling up vacancies as this affects the lives of children and elderly who are left with no recourse when pollution scales up to hazardous levels in the Capital. She pointed out that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for Delhi and adjoining areas, tasked with the important function of curbing pollution, is also understaffed with 30% vacancy. The court directed Centre to ensure vacancies in CAQM are filled up by August-end. The Haryana government informed the court that they are unable to find candidates under the promotion and deputation cadre while UP and Rajasthan suggested that efforts are on to fill the vacant posts. The bench advised the states to consider recruiting persons from other states if persons within the state are not available. At the same time, the court raised a concern over equipping pollution boards and committees with modern technology and instruments for mapping and collating pollution data. 'It is necessary to look into the functioning of the DPCC and other pollution boards. Perhaps, they may be using age-old technology and equipment. Unless they are equipped with modern equipment and techniques, they will not be able to discharge their statutory duties,' said the court. It directed the CAQM to submit a report on this aspect by end of July and forward it to CPCB and pollution boards of NCR states and DPCC. Based on CAQM's recommendations, the court directed the concerned states to acquire the requisite equipment.
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Supreme Court contempt notices to chief secretaries of Delhi and NCR states
The Supreme Court on Thursday issued contempt notices to the chief secretaries of Delhi and neighbouring NCR states for failing to fill longstanding vacancies in their respective pollution control boards, noting with dismay that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) was virtually 'non-functional' with 55% of posts lying vacant. Delhi's chief secretary has been directed to appear in person on May 19, while those from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have been asked to appear online on July 18. The directions came in a public interest litigation by lawyer-activist MC Mehta. On August 27, 2024, the court had ordered that all vacancies in DPCC and the state pollution control boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan be filled by April 30, 2025. With the deadline now lapsed, the court said it was 'shocked' by the continued vacancies. 'It's a very sorry state of affairs... We can safely say DPCC is non-functional,' said a bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan. It noted that pollution control boards are responsible for enforcing environmental laws, including the Air Act, Water Act, and Environment Protection Act, and cannot operate effectively without adequate staffing. While DPCC was the worst affected, UP and Rajasthan were also found to have 45% vacancies, and Haryana had 35%. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) itself reported 21% vacancies, while Bihar and Jharkhand were shown to have vacancy rates as high as 90%. The court said that failure to comply with its earlier orders would amount to 'aggravated contempt' and warned the states to act swiftly. Delhi's request for more time was denied, with the court highlighting the city's chronic pollution crisis, which has required emergency measures such as the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), vehicle restrictions, and firecracker bans. The court has now given all pollution control boards until the end of September to fill their vacancies, while directing the Centre to ensure the CPCB is staffed fully by August. It also directed that the understaffed Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which currently has a 30% vacancy rate, be filled by the end of August. The bench advised states to look beyond internal candidates and recruit from other states if necessary. It also expressed concern about the outdated technology and tools being used by pollution control boards, and asked CAQM to submit a report on their infrastructure and equipment by the end of July, which must then be shared with all NCR boards and the CPCB. States have been directed to act on CAQM's recommendations and procure modern instruments accordingly.
New Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
No tree-cutting in 5km of Taj Mahal without nod: SC
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday reiterated its 2015 directive restricting tree felling within 5-km aerial distance of the Taj Mahal in Agra without its nod. The court was hearing a plea by environmentalist MC Mehta seeking directions to prevent the Taj from hazards. The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), an area of 10,400 square-kilometre, spreads across Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras, and Etah districts in UP and Bharatpur in Rajasthan. A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said tree felling in areas within TTZ beyond the 5 km distance of the monument will require the prior permission of the central empowered committee and bound by the provisions of UP Tree Preservation Act.
