UPSC Essentials has launched a series of subject-specific quizzes aimed at aiding students in reviewing crucial topics from the syllabus. Today’s focus is on a quiz related to Environment and Geography, providing a valuable opportunity for candidates to assess their knowledge and progress.

🚨 Click Here to access the UPSC Essentials magazine for March 2026. We encourage you to share your feedback and suggestions in the comments section or via email at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com. 🚨

Concerning Morels (Morchella), please evaluate the following statements:

1. They are considered inedible mushrooms.
2. They naturally occur in the Western Ghats forests during the monsoon season.
3. They possess medicinal qualities.

How many of these statements are accurate?

Importance: Candidates should be aware that this topic is relevant for the UPSC Prelims as it has been featured in biodiversity-related discussions, which often lead to related questions in the examination. Its association with the Himalayan ecosystem further accentuates its significance.

— In a significant advancement, the Sheri Kashmir University of Agriculture and Sciences (SKUAST) in Srinagar has successfully cultivated the highly prized and rare edible mushroom for the first time under controlled conditions, indicating that statement 1 is incorrect.

— Known locally as Kangaech, Morels thrive in specific high-altitude forest ecosystems during a limited rainy season, with prices ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000 per kilogram. Therefore, statement 2 is also incorrect.

— Morchella mushrooms are highly sought after for their unique flavor, exceptional nutritional value, and medicinal properties. The process of harvesting wild Morels is labor-intensive, often requiring foragers to navigate dense forests under challenging weather conditions, and they may return without any yield after days of searching. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

The cultivation of Morchella presents a considerable scientific challenge due to the species’ intricate life cycle, symbiotic relationships, and specific environmental needs, which complicate artificial cultivation efforts.

With a high export potential, controlled cultivation of Morchella is expected to pave the way for new developments in the high-value bioeconomy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Thus, the correct answer is option (a).

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is identified as a:

1. abyssal plain in the Pacific Ocean
2. mid-oceanic ridge located in the Atlantic Ocean
3. deep-sea trench in the Pacific Ocean
4. coral reef system found in the Indian Ocean

Importance: The Clarion-Clipperton Zone’s significance for UPSC Prelims lies in its rich deposits of polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, which are pivotal in the study of physical geography. Aspirants should prepare for questions that may involve both map interpretation and current events.

— The oceans continue to reveal their mysteries, with a recent discovery from the depths of 4,100 meters in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. A peculiar species of whiplash squid has been observed displaying unusual behavior, approaching an area of mud filled with polymetallic nodules. The squid then plunged into the silt, burying its mantle.

— This finding has astonished cephalopod researchers, as this is the first recorded instance of a squid exhibiting such behavior—buried head-down, resembling a rigid stalk. This phenomenon underscores the vast unknowns still present in our understanding of nature.

— It is important to note that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is indeed classified as an abyssal plain in the Pacific Ocean.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (a).

Now, consider the following statements regarding Sijimali:

1. It belongs to the Eastern Ghats hill ranges.
2. The area is abundant in copper reserves.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Importance: The Sijimali Hills hold considerable relevance for the UPSC Prelims due to their geographical significance and mineral resources. The region has recently been in the news concerning mineral resource exploitation, which impacts tribal communities, biodiversity, and sustainable development, aligning with the Environment and Economic Geography sections of the syllabus.

— Recent clashes between tribal villagers and law enforcement near Kashipur in Odisha’s Rayagada district resulted in injuries to at least 40 police officers and 25 villagers on April 7.

— The unrest was sparked by the construction of a 3 km access road to the Sijimali bauxite mine, reflecting the tribes’ long-standing grievances regarding the bauxite project initiated after its auction to Vedanta Limited in 2023.

— Sijimali is indeed part of the Eastern Ghats and features a landscape of valleys. The bauxite reserve spans 1,500 hectares across the Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, with an estimated 311 million tonnes of high-grade bauxite. It is situated near Vedanta’s alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi, which has a production capacity of 5 million tonnes per year. Therefore, statement 1 is correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.

— Alumina, derived from bauxite ore, is essential for aluminum production, which is utilized in a wide range of applications from beverage containers to aerospace components. Aluminum, known for its strength, lightweight, and conductivity, is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust and ranks as the third most prevalent element after oxygen and silicon.

According to the 2022 Yearbook from the Indian Bureau of Mines, Odisha accounts for 41% of India’s bauxite resources and was the leading producer in 2021-22, contributing about 73% of the total output. In addition to bauxite, Odisha is rich in various minerals, including high-grade iron ore, coal, nickel, gemstones, and graphite, which together constitute nearly 17% of India’s mineral reserves.