What is the theme of the 2025 International Day of Forests?
Correct Answer:
(A) Forests and Food
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21st March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. IDF celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. The theme for International Day of Forests 2025 is “Forests and Food.”
Ques: 2
Which of the following States has the largest area under forests?
Correct Answer:
(C) Madhya Pradesh
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023
Area-wise, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in the country followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra.
Out of these states and UTs, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have more than 75 per cent forest cover.
India’s forest and tree cover has risen by 1,445 square kilometres in the last two years with Chhattisgarh growing the maximum forest cover of 684 square kilometres.
Ques: 3
The percentage of forest cover concerning the total geographical area is highest in
Correct Answer:
(C) Mizoram
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023:
The Forest and Tree cover of the country is 8,27,357 sq km which is 25.17 percent of the geographical area of the country, consisting of 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%) as forest cover and 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover.
As compared to assessment of 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sq km in the forest and tree cover of the country which includes 156 sq km increase in the forest cover and 1289 sq km increase in tree cover.
The present assessment also reveals that 19 states/UTs have above 33 percent of the geographical area under forest cover. Out of these, eight states/UTs namely Mizoram, Lakshadweep, A & N Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur have forest cover above 75 percent.
In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to total geographical area, Lakshadweep (91.33 percent) has the highest forest cover followed by Mizoram (85.34 percent) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.62 percent).
In the present assessment total carbon stock in country’s forest is estimated to be 7,285.5 million tonnes. There is an increase of 81.5 million tonnes in the carbon stock of country as compared to the last assessment.
The total growing stock of India’s forest and trees outside forests is estimated as 6430 million cum, of which 4479 million cum is inside the forests and 1951 million cum outside the forest area. There is an increase of 262 million cum of total growing stock as compared to the previous assessment which includes an increase of 91 million cum inside the forest and 171 million cum outside the forest area.
The extent of bamboo bearing area for the country has been estimated as 1,54,670sq km. As compared to the last assessment done in 2021 there is an increase of 5,227 sq km in bamboo area.
The total annual potential production of timber from trees outside forest has been estimated as 91.51 million cum.
Ques: 4
Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements??
Correct Answer:
(C) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement I is correct: The Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus) is often regarded as a vermin due to its tendency to raid orchards. It is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. According to Section 62 of the Act, the Central Government has the authority to declare any wild animal listed in Schedule II as vermin for a specified area and time period through an official notification.
Statement II is incorrect: Also known as the Great Indian Fruit Bat, the Indian flying fox feeds primarily on fruit, consuming the juice. It plays a vital ecological role by aiding in seed dispersal and pollination, making it an important contributor to the ecosystem.
Ques: 5
National Mission for Green India has been initiated in the following States by Government of India with the aim to improve the density of existing forests
Correct Answer:
(A) Jharkhand
One of the 8 missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), National Mission for Green India (GIM) acknowledges the influence of forests on environmental amelioration through climate change mitigation, water security, food security, biodiversity conservation and livelihood security of forest-dependent communities. In the second sitting of National Executive Council (NEC) of National Mission for Green India (GIM) held in October 2015, the annual plan for the possible schemes and operations proposed by the four states-Mizoram, Manipur, Kerala and Jharkhand was approved.
Ques: 6
Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’1. The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest2. Hunting is not allowed in such area3. People of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce4. People of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practicesHow many of the above statements are correct??
Correct Answer:
(B) Only two
Community reserves in India refer to designated protected areas that typically serve as buffer zones, linkages, or migration corridors connecting existing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserved or protected forests.
Statement 1 is incorrect: According to Section 36D of the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), the State Government must establish a Community Reserve Management Committee. This committee is tasked with the conservation, upkeep, and administration of the community reserve. A Chairman, elected by the committee, also serves as the Honorary Wildlife Warden of the reserve.
Statement 2 is correct: Once a forest area is declared a community reserve, hunting within its boundaries is strictly prohibited.
Statement 3 is correct: Residents of the area are permitted to collect non-timber forest produce from the community reserve.
Statement 4 is incorrect: In a designated community reserve, activities such as hunting and agricultural practices like shifting (jhum) cultivation are not permitted.