MARCH 2026

Q1. Which of the following statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz is/are correct?

1. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
2. It is located between Iran in the north and Oman & UAE in the south.
3. It connects the Red Sea directly to the Mediterranean Sea.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Coconut Promotion Scheme announced in Union Budget 2026–27:

1. It aims to rejuvenate old and non-productive coconut gardens.
2. It focuses only on expanding coconut cultivation in non-coastal regions.
3. It promotes planting of high-yielding coconut varieties.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Which organisation is primarily responsible for implementing coconut development schemes in India?

(a) Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI)

(b) Coconut Development Board (CDB)

(c) Food Corporation of India (FCI)

(d) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the formation of a Wildfire Smoke Vortex:

1. Smoke particles absorb solar radiation, leading to warming of the surrounding air column.
2. Heated air becomes denser and sinks rapidly.
3. Differential rotational influences from atmospheric layers help generate a vortex-like circulation.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Which of the following best defines a Dark Sky Park?

(a) A wildlife sanctuary located in desert regions

(b) A national park open only during night time

(c) A protected area with minimal artificial light pollution for astronomical observation

(d) A forest area with restricted human entry