✅ Answer: C) 33%The National Forest Policy 1988 targets 33% of India’s land area under forest cover (including tree cover). Currently, India’s forest cover is 21.71% (ISFR 2021). The policy emphasises ecological security over revenue generation, community participation, and meeting the basic needs of forest-dependent communities. It also emphasises maintaining environmental stability and restoring ecological balance. The policy was a significant shift from the earlier revenue-oriented approach.

✅ Answer: A) Sunderlal BahugunaSunderlal Bahuguna was the most prominent leader of the Chipko Movement. He popularised the movement nationally and internationally. Chandi Prasad Bhatt was another key leader. Gaura Devi is credited with starting the movement in Reni village (1974). The movement led to a ban on commercial felling in the Himalayas. Medha Patkar led the Narmada Bachao Andolan. Rajendra Singh is known for water conservation in Rajasthan.

✅ Answer: C) Tropical Thorn ForestTropical Thorn Forests are found in areas receiving less than 70 cm of annual rainfall. They are found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Haryana, and Punjab. Key trees: Babul (Acacia nilotica), Kikar (Acacia arabica), Khair, Khejri (state tree of Rajasthan). These forests are adapted to dry conditions with thorny plants, small leaves, and deep roots. Tropical Evergreen forests need >200 cm; Tropical Deciduous need 70-200 cm.

✅ Answer: A) Chipko MovementThe Appiko Movement in Karnataka (1983) was similar to the Chipko Movement — villagers hugged trees to prevent felling. “Appiko” means “to hug” in Kannada. It was led by Panduranga Hegde in the Uttara Kannada district. The Silent Valley Movement (Kerala, 1973-1985) opposed a hydroelectric project in a pristine rainforest. The Bishnoi community in Rajasthan has a 500-year tradition of protecting trees and wildlife. The Narmada Bachao Andolan opposed the Sardar Sarovar dam.

✅ Answer: A) Madhya PradeshMadhya Pradesh has the largest forest area in India (77,482 sq km as per ISFR 2021). Arunachal Pradesh is 2nd; Chhattisgarh is 3rd. However, in terms of percentage of geographical area, Mizoram (84.53%) leads. MP is also called the “Heart of India” and is known for its tiger reserves (Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura). MP has the highest number of tiger reserves in India.

✅ Answer: A) Three (Reserved, Protected, Village forests)The Indian Forest Act 1927 classifies forests into three categories: Reserved Forests (most strictly protected; no rights without permission), Protected Forests (some rights allowed), and Village Forests (assigned to village communities). Reserved Forests cover about 54% of India’s recorded forest area. The Act was enacted during British rule to regulate forest use. It has been amended several times. The Forest Conservation Act 1980 further restricts diversion of forest land.

✅ Answer: A) National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)The Green India Mission is one of the 8 missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC, 2008). It aims to increase forest cover by 5 million hectares and improve quality of forest cover on another 5 million hectares. The 8 NAPCC missions: Solar Mission, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water Mission, Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem, Green India Mission, Sustainable Agriculture, Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.

✅ Answer: A) Coastal areas — Sundarbans, Andaman, Odisha, GujaratMangrove forests are found along coastal areas in tidal zones. Major mangrove areas in India: Sundarbans (West Bengal) — world’s largest mangrove forest; Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Odisha (Bhitarkanika); Gujarat (Gulf of Kutch); Maharashtra; Goa; Kerala. Mangroves protect coasts from cyclones, tsunamis, and erosion. They are nurseries for fish and other marine life. India has about 4,992 sq km of mangrove cover (ISFR 2021).

✅ Answer: B) 2 yearsThe Forest Survey of India (FSI) publishes the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) every 2 years. FSI is headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The latest ISFR 2021 shows India’s forest cover at 21.71%. FSI uses satellite imagery and ground-truthing to assess forest cover. The report provides state-wise data on forest cover, tree cover, mangroves, and carbon stock. FSI was established in 1981 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

✅ Answer: A) A 500-year tradition of protecting trees and wildlifeThe Bishnoi community in Rajasthan has a 500-year tradition of protecting trees and wildlife. In 1730, Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 363 others sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees from being felled by the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s soldiers. This event inspired the Chipko Movement. The Bishnoi community follows 29 principles (Bis = 20, Noi = 9) laid down by Guru Jambheshwar, which include protecting trees and animals. The Khejri tree is the state tree of Rajasthan.