Q1. Which of the following regions in India is most affected by desertification?
- Kerala and Tamil Nadu
- Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Odisha and West Bengal
- Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Correct Option: 2. Rajasthan and Gujarat
Explanation: Desertification primarily affects arid and semi-arid regions. Rajasthan and Gujarat have large tracts of such land and are among the worst-affected areas.
Q2. What is the role of afforestation in combating desertification?
- It increases soil salinity
- It promotes urban growth
- It prevents soil erosion and modifies climate
- It supports industrialization
Correct Option: 3. It prevents soil erosion and modifies climate
Explanation: Afforestation increases vegetation cover, which helps in holding soil together, preventing erosion, and moderating the harsh desert climate. It is essential in desert and semi-desert areas.
Q3. As per SOFO 2022, how much forest area has been lost globally in the past 30 years (1990–2020)?
- 220 million hectares
- 1 billion hectares
- 420 million hectares
- 700 million hectares
Correct Option: 3. 420 million hectares
Explanation: According to the State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) 2022 report, the world lost around 420 million hectares of forests between 1990 and 2020.
Q4. How is deforestation linked to the rise in infectious diseases?
- It increases water availability
- It reduces sunlight exposure
- It increases the oxygen level
- It causes habitat destruction, bringing humans in contact with disease reservoirs
Correct Option: 4. It causes habitat destruction, bringing humans in contact with disease reservoirs
Explanation: Deforestation destroys natural habitats, forcing animals (potential disease carriers) into closer contact with human populations. This increases the risk of zoonotic diseases like malaria, dengue, and others.
Q5. What is India’s national target for restoring degraded land by 2030 under its commitment to the UNCCD?
- 26 million hectares
- 50 million hectares
- 10 million hectares
- 21 million hectares
Correct Option: 1. 26 million hectares
Explanation: India initially committed to restore 21 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 but later revised the target to 26 million hectares, as per its commitment to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).