Madhav Gadgil Dies; Western Ghats Panel

1. Question 1Answer D

   On which date did ecologist Madhav Gadgil die in Pune?

   • A27 December 2025
   • B7 February 2026
   • C17 January 2026
   • DCorrect answer: 7 January 2026

   Core Trigger: Ecologist Madhav Gadgil died in Pune on 7 January 2026, aged 83.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 1

2. Question 2Answer D

   Gadgil chaired which panel constituted by the Environment Ministry in 2010?

   • ANational Wildlife Board Panel
   • BForest Rights Review Panel
   • CHigh Level Working Group on Biodiversity
   • DCorrect answer: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel

   Panel Role: He chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, constituted by the Environment Ministry in 2010.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 2

3. Question 3Answer D

   Gadgil founded which centre at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru?

   • ACentre for Earth Sciences
   • BCentre for Sustainable Technologies
   • CCentre for Wildlife Studies
   • DCorrect answer: Centre for Ecological Sciences

   Institution: Gadgil founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 3

4. Question 4Answer D

   The panel's central concept, with graded limits on industry and mining, was the what?

   • ACritical Wildlife Habitat
   • BProtected Forest Block
   • CBiosphere Reserve Core Zone
   • DCorrect answer: Ecologically Sensitive Area

   Key Term: The panel's central concept was the Ecologically Sensitive Area, where industry and mining face graded restrictions.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 4

5. Question 5Answer D

   The panel's 2011 report urged that about what share of the Western Ghats be ecologically sensitive?

   • ANine-tenths
   • BOne-quarter
   • COne-half
   • DCorrect answer: Three-quarters

   Report Finding: The panel's 2011 report urged that about three-quarters of the Western Ghats be declared ecologically sensitive.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 5

6. Question 6Answer B

   Statements: 1. The Kasturirangan committee expanded the protected extent in 2013. 2. The Western Ghats span six States. Which is/are correct?

   • AOnly 1
   • BCorrect answer: Only 2
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither

   Later Review: The Kasturirangan committee reviewed the report and cut back the protected extent in 2013.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 6

7. Question 7Answer D

   The Western Ghats were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year?

   • A2014
   • B2010
   • C2007
   • DCorrect answer: 2012

   Venue: The Western Ghats run along peninsular India's west coast and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 2012.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 8

8. Question 8Answer C

   The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted after which tragedy?

   • AUphaar Cinema fire
   • BChernobyl nuclear accident
   • CCorrect answer: Bhopal gas tragedy
   • DLatur earthquake

   Founded: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, enacted after the Bhopal gas tragedy, is the parent law for such notifications.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 9

9. Question 9Answer C

   Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v Union of India, recognising the precautionary principle, was decided in which year?

   • A1991
   • B2001
   • CCorrect answer: 1996
   • D1986

   Landmark: Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v Union of India (1996) recognised sustainable development and the precautionary principle in Indian law.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 10

10. Question 10Answer C

    Statements: 1. Article 48A directs the State to protect the environment. 2. Article 51A(g) makes it a citizen's duty. Which is/are correct?

    • AOnly 1
    • BOnly 2
    • CCorrect answer: Both 1 and 2
    • DNeither

    Articles: Article 48A directs the State to protect the environment; Article 51A(g) makes it a citizen's duty.From Book 1 RATNA, topic 332, point 11

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