2026
Q208. Which statements on the foxtail orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) hold true?
1. It is epiphytic.
2. It occurs only in North-east India.
3. It is the state flower of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2026)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 3 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 3 only
Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Foxtail orchid often grows on trees without parasitising them. It occurs beyond North-east India, so the endemism claim fails. Both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh recognise this orchid as their state flower, making statements 1 and 3 correct.
Q207. On green hydrogen, examine:
1. It comes from natural-gas reforming with carbon capture.
2. Renewable-electricity electrolysis produces it.
3. India’s mission targets nearly 50 million tonnes of annual greenhouse-gas abatement by 2030.
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2026)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 2 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Hydrogen from natural gas with carbon capture is generally classified as blue, not green, hydrogen. Green hydrogen uses renewable energy, typically for electrolysis. India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission envisages substantial emissions avoidance by 2030; thus the latter two statements hold.
Q206. Which statements about NIRANTAR institutional leadership are accurate?
1. Botanical Survey of India leads Ecosystem Survey and Analysis.
2. Central Zoo Authority leads Ecosystem Service Research and Management.
3. Indian Institute of Forest Management leads Capacity Development Support.
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2026)]
(A) 1, 2 and 3
(B) 1 and 3 only
(C) 2 only
(D) 3 only
Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: The Botanical Survey of India heads the ecosystem survey vertical, while the Indian Institute of Forest Management leads capacity-development support. Research and management of ecosystem services is led by ICFRE, not the Central Zoo Authority; hence the second assertion fails.
Q205. Regarding Amur falcons visiting Nagaland’s Doyang Lake, identify the valid claims:
1. Local conservation supports their migratory stopover.
2. Electronic tracking devices steer birds toward the lake.
3. They have become permanent Indian residents.
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2026)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2
(C) 2 and 3
(D) 3 only
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: Community action has greatly reduced hunting and made Nagaland safer for migratory Amur falcons. Satellite tags allow researchers to follow journeys but do not navigate birds. Falcons continue long-distance seasonal migration and are not permanent residents of Doyang.
Q204. Assess these statements on western hoolock gibbons:
. A north-eastern sanctuary protects this endangered ape.
2. It travels by brachiating through branches.
3. Its body is heavy and gorilla-like.
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2026)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 3 only
Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Western hoolock gibbons inhabit forests including Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. Their lightweight bodies and long arms allow rapid arm-swinging, known as brachiation. They are lesser apes, unlike the substantially heavier great apes such as gorillas.
Q203. Which Indian REDD+ initiative first received certification under the Plan Vivo standard?
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2026)]
(A) Uttarakhand REDD+ project
(B) ICFRE–ICIMOD transboundary initiative
(C) Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project
(D) Sikkim Mamley Kamrang Community REDD+ project
Answer: (C) Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project
Explanation: The Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project in Meghalaya combines community-led forest protection with carbon-finance opportunities. Its certification under Plan Vivo recognised local stewardship and restoration. The other initiatives were not India’s first certified project under that standard.
Q202. For Madhav National Park, which statements are correct?
1. It was declared a tiger reserve in 2025.
2. Ramsar-listed Sakhya Sagar lies inside it.
3. Its territory extends into Rajasthan.
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2026)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 3 only
Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Madhav National Park is located in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, and gained tiger-reserve status in 2025. Sakhya Sagar wetland within it has Ramsar recognition. The park does not cross the state boundary into Rajasthan, so the third statement is false.
Q201. Why are mangroves valuable for coastal climate resilience?
1. They make saline areas freshwater paddy farms.
2. They convert coasts into freshwater aquaculture sites.
3. They buffer storm surges and sustain livelihoods.
[UPSC CSE Prelims GS Paper I (2026)]
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2
(C) 2 and 3
(D) 3 only
Answer: (D) 3 only
Explanation: Mangrove roots and vegetation dissipate wave energy, stabilise coasts and support fish, honey and other livelihoods. Their salt tolerance does not mean they desalinate entire landscapes or create ideal freshwater farms. The protective and livelihood role alone is correct.