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Plant Diversity of India

UPSC Environment MCQs on Plant Diversity of India — topic-wise, with answer explanations.

EnvironmentLesson 13

Showing 3 of 134 questions

TextbookHard

Q1.With reference to the National Bamboo Mission (NBM), consider the following statements: 1. The NBM is classified as a Central Sector Scheme. 2. The mission is implemented under the administrative control of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 3. A key strategic objective of the mission is to establish institutional structures to eliminate middlemen and ensure appropriate returns to producers. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The mission is identified as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect. The mission is implemented by the Horticulture Division under the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation in the Ministry of Agriculture. Statement 3 is correct. The mission's strategy includes setting up National, State, and sub-State level structures to ensure adequate returns for the produce of the farmers and eliminate middlemen to the extent possible.
TextbookHard

Q2.Consider the following statements regarding the Biodiversity Conservation & Rural Livelihood Improvement Project (BCRLIP): 1. The project is exclusively financed through a combination of an IDA loan and a GEF grant. 2. The project's implementation strategy includes the development of Joint Forest Management (JFM) as a model for community participation. 3. The project's geographical scope is limited to existing wildlife protected areas and does not provide for future expansion. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The project is financed by five sources: an IDA loan, a GEF grant, and contributions from the Government of India, State Governments, and beneficiaries. Statement 2 is correct. The development of Joint Forest Management (JFM) and eco-development are cited as models of new approaches used by the project. Statement 3 is incorrect. The project intends to expand to other globally significant sites in the country.
TextbookHard

Q3.Consider the following statements: Statement I: Both the National Bamboo Mission and the Biodiversity Conservation & Rural Livelihood Improvement Project are classified as Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Statement II: The funding for the National Bamboo Mission is entirely from the Central Government, while the BCRLIP involves contributions from international bodies, the central government, state governments, and beneficiaries. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement I is correct. Both the National Bamboo Mission and the BCRLIP are designated as Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Statement II is also correct. The National Bamboo Mission has 100% contribution from the Central Government, whereas the BCRLIP is funded by five sources, including an IDA loan, a GEF grant, and contributions from the Government of India, State Governments, and beneficiaries. However, Statement II, which describes their distinct funding patterns, does not explain their common classification as Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The classification is an administrative designation, and the differing financial structures are details within that framework, not an explanation for it.
TextbookHard

Q4.Consider the following statements regarding the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI): 1. WTI was founded in the last decade of the 20th century. 2. The organization operates exclusively by partnering with local communities, independent of any governmental collaboration. 3. The primary and sole mission of WTI is the rehabilitation of endangered species.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The WTI was founded in 1998, which falls within the last decade of the 20th century. Statement 2 is incorrect. The WTI works in partnership with both communities and governments. Statement 3 is incorrect. The WTI's work covers a range of projects, including species rehabilitation and the prevention of illegal wildlife trade, not just one mission.
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TextbookHard

Q5.With reference to the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), consider the following statements: 1. It is a governmental body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Its mandate includes the conservation of threatened habitats. 3. The prevention of illegal wildlife trade is one of its key operational areas.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Wildlife Trust of India is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Statement 2 is correct. The aim of WTI includes conserving threatened habitats. Statement 3 is correct. The WTI is committed to achieving its objectives through various projects, including the prevention of the illegal wildlife trade.
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TextbookHard

Q6.Consider the following statements about the aims and partnerships of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI): 1. WTI's conservation efforts are exclusively directed towards endangered species, not their habitats. 2. The organization was established in 1998. 3. WTI achieves its objectives by working in partnership with governments.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The aim of WTI is to conserve nature, especially endangered species and threatened habitats, indicating a focus on both. Statement 2 is correct. The WTI was founded in 1998. Statement 3 is correct. The WTI works in partnership with communities and governments to achieve its goals.
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TextbookHard

Q7.With reference to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), consider the following statements: 1. The NGT is mandated to dispose of cases within one year of their respective appeals. 2. India is the first country in the world to have established a full-fledged green tribunal. 3. The establishment of the NGT is intended for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The NGT is mandated to dispose of cases within six months of their respective appeals. Statement 2 is incorrect. India is the third country in the world to have a full-fledged green tribunal, following New Zealand and Australia. Statement 3 is correct. The Preamble of the NGT Act provides for the establishment of the tribunal for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
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TextbookHard

Q8.Consider the following statements regarding the scope and purpose of the National Green Tribunal (NGT): 1. The NGT's jurisdiction is exclusively limited to the conservation of forests and does not extend to other natural resources. 2. The tribunal is empowered to provide relief and compensation for damages to persons and property. 3. The NGT's specialized architecture is expected to slow down the resolution of environmental cases to ensure thoroughness.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The tribunal's purpose includes the conservation of forests and other natural resources. Statement 2 is correct. The NGT's mandate includes giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property. Statement 3 is incorrect. The specialized architecture of the NGT is intended to facilitate fast-track resolution of environmental cases, not slow them down.
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TextbookHard

Q9.With reference to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), consider the following statements: 1. India joined a league of countries that includes New Zealand and Australia in having a dedicated adjudicatory forum for environmental disputes. 2. The NGT is mandated to handle cases involving the enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment. 3. The establishment of the NGT is seen as a boost to the implementation of many sustainable development measures.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. India is the third country to have a full-fledged green tribunal, following New Zealand and Australia. Statement 2 is correct. The Preamble of the act specifies that the NGT's functions include the enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment. Statement 3 is correct. The NGT's fast-track resolution of cases is expected to provide a boost to the implementation of many sustainable development measures.
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TextbookHard

Q10.Consider the following statements regarding the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA): 1. The UN Environment Assembly was established as a direct outcome of the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972. 2. The Assembly convenes annually in Nairobi to set priorities for global environmental policies. 3. The overarching theme for the Third Environment Assembly was 'Innovative Solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable production'. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The UN Environment Assembly was created in June 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (RIO+20). The international efforts that culminated in its creation were initiated at the Stockholm Conference in 1972, but the Assembly itself was not established there. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Environment Assembly meets biennially, not annually. Statement 3 is incorrect. The theme for the Third Environment Assembly was 'Towards a pollution-free planet'. The theme 'Innovative Solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable production' was for the fourth session of the UNEA.
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TextbookHard

Q11.With reference to India's actions regarding Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention, consider the following statements: 1. The ratification of POPs enables India to access financial resources from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). 2. The power to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention has been delegated exclusively to the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MEFCC). 3. Pentachlorobenzene and Hexabromocyclododecane are among the chemicals listed as POPs under the Stockholm Convention. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The ratification process allows India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources for updating its National Implementation Plan (NIP). Statement 2 is incorrect. The powers to ratify chemicals were delegated to both the Union Ministers of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MEFCC), not exclusively to one. Statement 3 is correct. Pentachlorobenzene and Hexabromocyclododecane are explicitly mentioned as chemicals already listed as POPs under the Stockholm Convention.
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TextbookHard

Q12.Consider the following pairs: 1. Third UNEA Session : Sustainable Nitrogen management 2. Fourth UNEA Session : Towards a pollution-free planet 3. First/Second UNEA Sessions : Illegal trade in wildlife How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. A resolution on Sustainable Nitrogen management was adopted at the fourth session of the UNEA. The theme of the third session was 'Towards a pollution-free planet'. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The theme 'Towards a pollution-free planet' belonged to the third UNEA session. The theme for the fourth session was 'Innovative Solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable production'. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The first and second sessions of the UN Environment Assembly tackled and adopted resolutions on major issues including the illegal trade in wildlife.
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TextbookHard

Q13.With reference to international biodiversity frameworks, consider the following statements: 1. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a non-binding agreement that recognizes the conservation of biodiversity as a 'common concern of humankind'. 2. The Cartagena Protocol primarily establishes a framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. 3. India's Biological Diversity Act, 2002, establishes a three-tier structure comprising the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBB), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC). How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding convention. While it does recognize biodiversity conservation as a 'common concern of humankind', its status as a non-binding agreement is factually wrong. Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary objective described, which is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, belongs to the Nagoya Protocol. The Cartagena Protocol's objective is to ensure the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs). Statement 3 is correct. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, does envisage a three-tier structure to regulate access to biological resources, consisting of the NBA at the national level, SBBs at the state level, and BMCs at the local level. Therefore, only one statement is correct.
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TextbookHard

Q14.Consider the following statements regarding protocols related to the Convention on Biological Diversity: 1. The Nagoya Protocol's main objective is to ensure an adequate level of protection in the safe transfer, handling, and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). 2. The Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure applies to LMOs intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing (LMOs-FFP). 3. The Cartagena Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity that establishes procedures for regulating the transboundary movement of LMOs. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The objective described, ensuring protection in the safe transfer and use of LMOs, is the primary goal of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The Nagoya Protocol's objective is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure is for LMOs intended for direct introduction into the environment. A different set of procedures applies to LMOs intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing (LMOs-FFP). Statement 3 is correct. The Cartagena Protocol is an additional agreement to the CBD and specifically establishes procedures for regulating the import and export (transboundary movement) of LMOs between countries. Therefore, only one statement is correct.
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TextbookHard

Q15.Consider the following statements about the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): 1. The CBD is a legally binding international treaty. 2. The scope of the CBD framework exclusively covers species and genetic resources, but not entire ecosystems. 3. The Convention posits that the significant environmental, economic, and social benefits derived from conservation justify the substantial investments required. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Convention on Biological Diversity is explicitly described as a legally binding convention. Statement 2 is incorrect. The agreement's coverage is comprehensive and includes all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources; it is not limited to only species and genetic resources. Statement 3 is correct. The Convention acknowledges that substantial investments are needed but argues that conservation will yield significant environmental, economic, and social benefits in return. Therefore, two of the statements are correct.
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TextbookHard

Q16.Consider the following statements regarding the Ramsar Convention: 1. The Convention is formally affiliated with the United Nations system of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). 2. The designation of a wetland as a Transboundary Ramsar Site confers a distinct and separate legal status upon the involved sites. 3. The Montreux Record is the principal tool of the Convention for recognizing and listing the most pristine and effectively managed wetlands of international importance.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ramsar Convention is not affiliated with the United Nations system of MEAs, although it works closely with them. Statement 2 is incorrect. A Transboundary Ramsar Site is a cooperative management arrangement and does not represent a distinct legal status. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to negative impacts from development, pollution, or other human interference; it is not a list of pristine sites.
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TextbookHard

Q17.With reference to the framework and mechanisms of the Ramsar Convention, consider the following statements: 1. It is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem. 2. Upon joining the Convention, it is mandatory for each Contracting Party to designate at least one site for the List of Wetlands of International Importance. 3. The Montreux Record is maintained as a register completely separate from the Ramsar List.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Ramsar Convention is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem, which is wetlands. Statement 2 is correct. Each Contracting Party is required to designate at least one wetland site for inclusion in the Ramsar List at the time of joining. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Montreux Record is maintained as part of the Ramsar List, not as a separate register.
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TextbookHard

Q18.Consider the following statements regarding Indian wetlands and the Montreux Record: 1. Chilika Lake was placed on the Montreux Record primarily due to problems caused by siltation and sedimentation. 2. As per the records, both Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake were included in the Montreux Record in the early 1990s. 3. The successful removal of Chilika Lake from the Montreux Record was recognized with the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award in 2002.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Chilika Lake was placed on the Montreux Record due to problems of siltation and sedimentation choking the mouth of the lake. Statement 2 is correct. Keoladeo National Park was included in 1990 and Loktak Lake was included in 1993. Statement 3 is correct. Following rehabilitation efforts, Chilika Lake was removed from the Record in 2002, and the Chilika Development Authority received the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for these efforts.
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TextbookHard

Q19.Consider the following statements regarding the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): 1. All agreements concluded under the CMS framework are legally binding treaties. 2. The Convention encourages Range States to conclude regional agreements for species listed in Appendix II. 3. The development of conservation models under CMS is limited to the specific requirements of particular regions rather than entire migratory ranges. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Agreements under the CMS can range from legally binding treaties to less formal instruments, such as Memoranda of Understanding. Statement 2 is correct. For species listed in Appendix II, which need or would benefit from international co-operation, the Convention encourages Range States to conclude global or regional Agreements. Statement 3 is incorrect. A unique capacity of CMS is the development of models tailored to conservation needs throughout the migratory range.
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TextbookHard

Q20.With reference to the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), consider the following statements: 1. The flyway network geographically covers the areas between the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. 2. India has launched a National Action Plan for the conservation of migratory species, which operates under the framework of the Central Asian Flyway. 3. The CAF network encompasses at least 279 populations of migratory water bird species, of which 29 are globally threatened. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Central Asian Flyway (CAF) covers areas situated between the Arctic and Indian Oceans. Statement 2 is correct. India has launched the National Action plan for conservation of migratory species under the Central Asian Flyway. Statement 3 is correct. The CAF covers at least 279 populations of 182 migratory water bird species, including 29 globally threatened species.
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TextbookHard

Q21.Consider the following statements: 1. The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) acts as a framework convention, meaning it provides the overarching structure for more specific agreements. 2. Listing a species in Appendix II of the CMS mandates that Range States must conclude a legally binding treaty for its protection. 3. Memoranda of Understanding are the only form of less formal instruments available under the CMS framework. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The CMS acts as a framework Convention, under which other agreements can be concluded. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Convention only encourages, not mandates, Range States to conclude agreements for Appendix II species. Furthermore, these agreements are not required to be legally binding treaties; they can also be less formal instruments. Statement 3 is incorrect. The text specifies that agreements may range from legally binding treaties to less formal instruments, such as Memoranda of Understanding, implying MoUs are an example of such instruments, not necessarily the only one.
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TextbookHard

Q22.Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF): 1. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly as a subsidiary body. 2. Its primary objective is based exclusively on the principles laid out in the Rio Declaration. 3. The membership of the Forum is composed only of the Member States of the United Nations.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) was established by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), not the UN General Assembly. Statement 2 is incorrect. The main objective of the UNFF is based on several key documents, including the Rio Declaration, the Forest Principles, Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, and outcomes from the IPF/IFF processes, not exclusively the Rio Declaration. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Forum has universal membership, which is composed of all Member States of the United Nations and specialized agencies.
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TextbookHard

Q23.Consider the following statements: 1. The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) is an intergovernmental body whose members represent approximately 80% of the world's tropical forests and is primarily concerned with wildlife protection through animal culture. 2. The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) has a principal function to collect, analyse and disseminate data on the production and trade of tropical timber. 3. The ITTO's mandate under UIf (1986) is focused solely on promoting the trade of tropical forest resources.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The ITTO is concerned with trade and industry of tropical timber, and while it pays attention to sustainable management, its primary concern is not wildlife protection through animal culture. Statement 2 is incorrect. The collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on the production and trade of tropical timber is a function of the ITTO, not the UNFF. Statement 3 is incorrect. The mandate under UIf (1986) includes promoting the conservation and sustainable management, use, and trade of tropical forest resources, not solely trade.
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TextbookHard

Q24.With reference to international organizations for forest conservation, consider the following statements: 1. The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) functions exclusively as a commodity organization, similar to other bodies concerned with trade and industry. 2. The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is tasked with strengthening political commitment to the management of only tropical forests. 3. One of the principal functions of the UNFF is to encourage and assist countries, including those with low forest cover, to develop and implement forest conservation and rehabilitation strategies.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The ITTO is concerned with trade and industry, but it also pays considerable attention to the sustainable management of natural resources, functioning like an environmental agreement. Statement 2 is incorrect. The UNFF's objective is to promote 'the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests', not just tropical forests. Statement 3 is correct. A principal function of the UNFF is to encourage and assist countries, including those with low forest cover, to develop and implement forest conservation and rehabilitation strategies to increase forest area under sustainable management.
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TextbookHard

Q25.With reference to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), consider the following statements: 1. It is the sole legally binding international agreement that links environment and development specifically to sustainable land management. 2. The Convention defines 'desertification' as the process of physical expansion of existing deserts into arid and semi-arid regions. 3. It is one of the three Rio Conventions, focusing on desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD). How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The UNCCD is explicitly identified as the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. Statement 2 is incorrect. The UNCCD defines 'desertification' as land degradation in drylands (arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions) resulting from various factors; it does not connote the spread or expansion of deserts. Statement 3 is correct. The UNCCD is one of the Rio Conventions, alongside the conventions on climate change (UNFCCC) and biodiversity (CBD).
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TextbookHard

Q26.Consider the following statements regarding the outcomes and initiatives associated with the UNCCD COP 14 held in New Delhi: 1. India raised its 2030 land restoration target from 21 million hectares to 26 million hectares. 2. The Great Green Wall Initiative, a roadmap for which was launched, is an Africa-led program to restore 100 million hectares of land. 3. An international coalition was launched to operationalize the UNCCD Drought Toolbox for mitigating transboundary impacts on human health. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. At COP 14, India announced its commitment to raise its 2030 land restoration target to 26 million hectares from the previous 21 million hectares. Statement 2 is correct. A roadmap for scaling up the Africa-led Great Green Wall Initiative was an outcome of COP 14, with a goal to restore 100 million hectares. Statement 3 is incorrect. The UNCCD Drought Toolbox and the international coalition on sand and dust storms are two separate initiatives. The toolbox is for strengthening drought preparedness, while the coalition is aimed at mitigating the transboundary impacts of sand and dust storms.
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TextbookMedium

Q27.Consider the following pairs: 1. Koraput System : A farming system developed by farmers over 150 years ago to cultivate rice below sea level. 2. Kuttanad System : A traditional agricultural system where women have played a key role in the conservation of biodiversity. 3. GIAHS Programme : An initiative of the UNCCD to recognize remarkable land use systems. How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The Kuttanad system, not Koraput, is the below-sea-level farming system developed over 150 years ago. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The key role of women in biodiversity conservation is a characteristic of the Traditional Agricultural System of Koraput, not Kuttanad. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme is an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), not the UNCCD.
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TextbookHard

Q28.With reference to India's engagement with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), consider the following statements: 1. India's instrument of ratification for the Convention automatically binds it to all subsequent amendments concerning the listing of new POPs. 2. The 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, 2018' prohibited the manufacture and trade of Endosulfan. 3. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) derived its authority to notify the POPs Rules from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. India's ratification, as per Article 25(4), enables it to maintain a default 'opt-out' position. This means amendments are not enforceable on India unless an instrument of ratification or acceptance is explicitly deposited. Statement 2 is incorrect. The 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, 2018' prohibited seven specific chemicals, which did not include Endosulfan. Endosulfan was separately listed in Annex A of the Convention at the fifth CoP. Statement 3 is correct. The regulation was notified by the MoEFCC under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
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TextbookHard

Q29.With reference to the properties of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), consider the following statements: 1. POPs are characterized by their high solubility in water, which is the primary reason for their accumulation in the fatty tissues of organisms. 2. Through a process of bioaccumulation, their concentration can be magnified in living tissue to levels thousands of times higher than background levels. 3. They are known to be toxic, with exposure leading to potential damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. POPs are not soluble in water. They are, however, readily absorbed in fatty tissue, which is where they accumulate. Their long-range transport occurs through natural processes involving soil, water, and air. Statement 2 is correct. POPs concentrate in living organisms through bioaccumulation and can become magnified by up to 70,000 times the background levels in fatty tissue. Statement 3 is correct. Exposure to POPs can lead to various health issues, including damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems.
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TextbookHard

Q30.Consider the following pairs regarding substances and their classification under the Stockholm Convention: 1. Aldrin : Industrial chemical 2. Lindane : Pesticide 3. Hexabromobiphenyl : By-product How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. Aldrin is listed among the initial twelve POPs under the category of pesticides, not industrial chemicals. Pair 2 is correctly matched. Lindane is listed among the nine new POPs added to the convention, under the category of pesticides. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. Hexabromobiphenyl is listed among the nine new POPs under the category of industrial chemicals, not by-products.
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TextbookHard

Q31.With reference to the Basel Convention, consider the following statements: 1. The Convention's scope of application is exclusively for wastes defined as 'hazardous' and does not include materials like household waste or incinerator ash. 2. The Convention was adopted in response to the transboundary movement of toxic wastes from developing countries to developed countries. 3. Wastes containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are explicitly regulated under this convention. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Basel Convention's scope covers a wide range of 'hazardous wastes' as well as two types of 'other wastes,' which are defined as household waste and incinerator ash. Statement 2 is incorrect. The convention was adopted in response to the discovery of toxic wastes imported *into* Africa and other parts of the developing world from abroad, meaning the movement was from developed to developing countries, not the other way around. Statement 3 is correct. The examples of wastes regulated by the Basel Convention explicitly include Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs).
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TextbookHard

Q32.With reference to the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI), consider the following statements: 1. An industrial cluster with a CEPI score of 65 is classified as 'Critically polluted'. 2. The CEPI is primarily designed as a remedial action tool for restoring environmental quality. 3. The environmental assessment of industrial clusters using CEPI was a collaborative effort involving the Central Pollution Control Board and IIT, Delhi. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. A CEPI score between 60 and 70 classifies an industrial cluster as 'Severely polluted'. A score greater than 70 is required for the 'Critically polluted' classification. Statement 2 is incorrect. The CEPI is intended to act as an 'early warning tool' to help in categorizing industrial clusters for planning interventions, not primarily as a remedial tool itself. Statement 3 is correct. The Central and State Pollution Control Boards, in collaboration with IIT, Delhi, applied the CEPI for the environmental assessment of 88 Industrial Clusters.
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TextbookHard

Q33.Consider the following statements regarding the 'Eco Mark' scheme: 1. The scheme provides accreditation exclusively for industrial machinery and heavy equipment that meet specific environmental criteria. 2. For a product to receive an Eco Mark label, it must meet environmental criteria, which serves as an alternative to the quality requirements of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). 3. A key objective of the scheme is to recognize improvements in the environmental performance of a manufacturing unit, not just its final product. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Eco Mark scheme is for household and other consumer products, not exclusively for industrial machinery. Statement 2 is incorrect. Products must meet certain environmental criteria along with, not as an alternative to, the quality requirements of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Statement 3 is correct. An objective of the scheme is to recognize good environmental performance as well as improvements in the performance of the unit.
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TextbookHard

Q34.With reference to the Urban Services Environmental Rating System (USENS), consider the following statements: 1. The USENS project was funded by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 2. The primary aim of USENS is to develop an analytical tool to measure the performance of industrial pollution control in urban areas. 3. The pilot cities identified for the implementation of the USENS project were Delhi and Kanpur. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The project was funded by UNDP, executed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and implemented by TERI. The roles of funding and implementation are swapped in the statement. Statement 2 is incorrect. The aim of USENS is to develop a tool to measure the performance of local bodies with respect to the delivery of basic services, not industrial pollution control. Statement 3 is correct. Delhi and Kanpur were identified as the pilot cities for the project.
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TextbookHard

Q35.Consider the following statements regarding the 'Lighting a Billion Lives' (LaBL) campaign: 1. It is a government-led initiative managed directly by the Department of Telecommunications. 2. The campaign promotes solar lanterns that are designed and manufactured on a centralized basis. 3. It has facilitated the formation of over a hundred women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs). How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. LaBL is a campaign initiated by TERI, not a government-led initiative. It engages with government interventions but is not managed by them. Statement 2 is incorrect. The campaign promotes solar lanterns that are specifically designed and manufactured on a decentralized basis, not a centralized one. Statement 3 is correct. The formation of more than 100 women-led Self Help Groups is listed as one of the impacts of this initiative.
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TextbookHard

Q36.With reference to the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF), consider the following statements: 1. The fund was constituted in the Consolidated Fund of India. 2. The Clean Energy Cess, which finances the fund, is levied on producers of raw coal, raw lignite, and raw peat. 3. Government assistance for any project under the NCEF is capped at 40% of the total project cost. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) was constituted in the 'public account of India', not the Consolidated Fund of India. Statement 2 is correct. The Clean Energy Cess is levied on producers of specified goods, which include raw coal, raw lignite, and raw peat. Statement 3 is correct. Government assistance under the NCEF is explicitly limited and shall in no case exceed 40% of the total project cost.
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TextbookHard

Q37.Consider the following statements regarding the National Mission for Electric Mobility (NCEM): 1. The establishment of the NCEM was influenced by India's large and secure petroleum reserves. 2. A key factor for its creation was the global automobile industry's shift towards more efficient drive technologies and electric vehicles. 3. The NCEM acts as the apex governmental body for recommending solutions to barriers such as high EV costs and battery technology challenges. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The mission was influenced by 'fast dwindling petroleum resources', which is the opposite of large and secure reserves. Statement 2 is correct. The worldwide shift of the automobile industry towards alternative fuels, including electric vehicles, was a stated factor influencing the mission's creation. Statement 3 is correct. The NCEM is identified as the apex body in the Government of India for making recommendations on matters related to resolving barriers to electric mobility.
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TextbookHard

Q38.With reference to the 'Adaptation of Irrigated Agriculture to Climate Change (AICHA)' project, consider the following statements: 1. The project is a multilateral initiative involving India, France, and Germany. 2. Its primary aim is to develop a model for analysing the impact of climate change on rain-fed agriculture. 3. The designated field study site for the project is located in South India.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The project is a bilateral Indo-French research project, launched by the Indo-French Centre for the promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA). There is no mention of Germany's involvement. Statement 2 is incorrect. The study aims to develop a model for analysing the impact of climate change on ground water-irrigated agriculture, not rain-fed agriculture. Statement 3 is correct. The project's field study is in Berambadi village in Chamarajanagar district, which is located in south India.
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TextbookMedium

Q39.Consider the following statements regarding conservation initiatives mentioned: 1. The 'Hargila army' is a conservation group formed by women self-help groups. 2. This initiative is dedicated to the protection of the Greater Adjutant Stork. 3. The project is being implemented in the same district selected for the AICHA project's field study.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The 'Hargila army' was formed by 14 women self-help groups at Nadara village. Statement 2 is correct. The group is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Hargila, which is the Greater Adjutant Stork. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Hargila army project is located in Kamrup district, whereas the AICHA project's field study is in Chamarajanagar district.
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TextbookHard

Q40.Regarding the methodology of the AICHA project, consider the following statements: 1. The project will test adaptation strategies exclusively at the watershed scale. 2. The methodology combines remote sensing, field surveys, and advanced numerical analysis. 3. The project's approach is limited to hydrological and agronomical modeling, excluding socio-economic factors.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The project would explore adaptation strategies to be tested at both the farm and the watershed scale. Statement 2 is correct. The methodology is designed to combine remote sensing, field surveys, and advanced numerical analysis with various modeling techniques. Statement 3 is incorrect. The methodology pays particular attention to sustainability and acceptability issues, which are socio-economic factors, and is not limited to purely technical modeling.
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TextbookHard

Q41.Consider the following statements regarding environmental awareness initiatives in India: 1. The Science Express Biodiversity Special (SEBS) was a collaborative initiative solely of the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF). 2. The exhibition aboard SEBS was exclusively focused on the biodiversity of India, excluding topics like Climate Change and Energy Conservation. 3. SEBS represented the inaugural or first phase of the Science Express program. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Science Express Biodiversity Special (SEBS) was a unique collaborative initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), not solely the MoEF. Statement 2 is incorrect. The exhibition aimed to create awareness not only on the unique biodiversity of India but also on Climate Change, Water, and Energy Conservation. Statement 3 is incorrect. SEBS was the fifth phase of the Science Express program, not the inaugural phase.
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TextbookHard

Q42.With reference to environmental education programmes, consider the following statements: 1. The GLOBE programme unites students, teachers, and scientists for the collection of data on basic environmental parameters. 2. The Eco-Clubs (National Green Corps) programme is an international initiative focused on imparting knowledge about global eco-systems. 3. India was a founding member of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) programme when it was launched. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The GLOBE programme unites students, teachers, and scientists all over the world to collect data about various basic environmental parameters. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Eco-Clubs (National Green Corps) programme's objective is to educate children about their immediate environment, not global eco-systems, and it is a national programme. Statement 3 is incorrect. The GLOBE programme is an international science and education programme which India joined in August 2000; it was not a founding member.
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TextbookHard

Q43.Consider the following statements regarding Environmental Education and Awareness schemes: 1. The National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC), launched in 1986, provides nominal financial assistance to registered NGOs, schools, and army units for organising awareness activities. 2. The Environment Education, Awareness & Training (EEAT) scheme's objective is to facilitate the development of educational materials primarily for the non-formal education sector. 3. The Science Express Biodiversity Special (SEBS) was a mobile exhibition on a train, initiated jointly by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF). How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The NEAC was launched in 1986 and provides financial assistance to a wide range of organizations, including registered NGOs, schools, and army units, for conducting awareness activities. Statement 2 is incorrect. The EEAT scheme aims to facilitate the development of education and training materials in the formal education sector, while its objective for spreading education is especially in the non-formal system. The statement incorrectly links material development to the non-formal sector. Statement 3 is correct. SEBS was a mobile exhibition on a 16-coach train and was a collaborative initiative of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF).
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TextbookHard

Q44.With reference to environmental organizations in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory body. 2. One of the functions of the Animal Welfare Board of India is to identify endangered species for captive breeding. 3. The Animal Welfare Board of India advises the government on improvements in the design of slaughterhouses. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Animal Welfare Board of India is described as a statutory advisory body. Statement 2 is incorrect. Identifying endangered species for captive breeding is a function of the Central Zoo Authority. Statement 3 is correct. The Board is mandated to advise the government or any local authority on the design and maintenance of slaughterhouses to eliminate unnecessary pain or suffering.
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TextbookHard

Q45.Consider the following statements regarding the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): 1. The AWBI was constituted under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act. 2. The Board has the function of advising the Central Government on making rules to prevent unnecessary pain to animals during transport. 3. The members of the Board have a tenure of three years. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Animal Welfare Board of India was set up in 1962 in accordance with Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Statement 2 is correct. One of the Board's functions is to advise the Central Government on making rules under the Act to prevent unnecessary pain or suffering to animals, particularly when they are being transported. Statement 3 is correct. The Board consists of members with a term of 3 years.
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TextbookHard

Q46.Consider the following pairs: 1. Central Zoo Authority : Advising on vehicle design for draught animals 2. Animal Welfare Board of India : Coordinating the loaning of animals for breeding purposes 3. Central Zoo Authority : Granting recognition to zoos 4. Animal Welfare Board of India : Encouraging the formation of Pinjarapoles How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. Advising on vehicle design to lessen the burden on draught animals is a function of the Animal Welfare Board of India. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Coordinating the acquisition, exchange, and loaning of animals for breeding purposes is a function of the Central Zoo Authority. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Central Zoo Authority has the power to grant recognition to zoos. Pair 4 is correctly matched. The Animal Welfare Board of India encourages the formation of Pinjarapoles, rescue homes, and animal shelters through financial assistance or other means.
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TextbookHard

Q47.With reference to the Biological Diversity Act (2002) and its institutional framework, consider the following statements: 1. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) advises State Governments in the selection of areas of biodiversity importance to be notified as heritage sites. 2. The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) regulate requests for commercial utilization or bio-survey of any biological resource by all entities, including foreign corporations. 3. The Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are primarily responsible for granting approvals for the transfer of biological resources to other parties. How many of the above statements are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. One of the main functions of the National Biodiversity Authority is to advise State Governments on the selection of areas of biodiversity importance to be notified as heritage sites. Statement 2 is incorrect. The State Biodiversity Boards regulate requests for commercial utilization or bio-survey of any biological resource by Indians, not all entities. Statement 3 is incorrect. The National Biodiversity Authority, not the Biodiversity Management Committees, grants permission for the transfer of any biological resource or associated knowledge to other parties. The role of BMCs is at the local level, focusing on conservation, sustainable use, and documentation.
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TextbookHard

Q48.Consider the following statements regarding the powers and procedures of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): 1. The NBA's mandate to oppose the grant of intellectual property rights is limited to rights being sought within India. 2. Any person seeking intellectual property rights on research based on Indian biological resources must obtain approval from the NBA after the research is completed but before commercialization. 3. A person who has been granted approval by the NBA to use a biological resource can transfer the associated knowledge to others without seeking further permission. How many of the above statements are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Biodiversity Authority may take necessary measures to oppose the grant of intellectual property rights in any country outside India on any biological resource obtained from India. Statement 2 is incorrect. Any person seeking such intellectual property rights must obtain prior approval from the NBA, not after the research is completed. Statement 3 is incorrect. A person granted approval cannot transfer any biological resource or associated knowledge to others except with the permission of the National Biodiversity Authority.
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TextbookHard

Q49.Consider the following pairs regarding biodiversity governance bodies and their functions: 1. State Biodiversity Board : Advising the Central Government on conservation matters. 2. National Biodiversity Authority : Regulating requests for commercial utilization of biological resources by Indians. 3. Biodiversity Management Committee : Chronicling of local knowledge relating to biological diversity. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) advise the State Governments, not the Central Government. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) advises the Central Government. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), not the National Biodiversity Authority, regulate requests for commercial utilization of biological resources by Indians. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The local level Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are responsible for promoting conservation, sustainable use, and documentation, which includes the chronicling of knowledge relating to biological diversity.
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TextbookHard

Q50.With reference to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), consider the following statements: 1. The WCCB is a non-statutory advisory body constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. Its primary mandate is to replace the enforcement functions of state governments to centralize wildlife crime control. 3. It was established to complement the efforts of state governments, which are the primary enforcers of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory body, not a non-statutory one. It was constituted through an amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Bureau's role is to complement the efforts of state governments, not to replace their enforcement functions. Statement 3 is correct. The WCCB was designed to support and work alongside state governments, which are identified as the primary enforcers of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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TextbookHard

Q51.Consider the following as functions of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): 1. Maintenance of minimum ecological flows in the river Ganga. 2. Implementation of obligations under various international conventions and protocols related to wildlife crime. 3. Advising the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes with national and international ramifications. 4. Promotion of water conservation practices including recycling and reuse of water. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The maintenance of minimum ecological flows in the river Ganga is a function associated with the river's management authority, not the WCCB. Statement 2 is correct. The WCCB is explicitly tasked with the implementation of obligations under international conventions concerning wildlife crime. Statement 3 is correct. A key function of the Bureau is to advise the Government of India on wildlife crime issues and suggest necessary changes in policy and laws. Statement 4 is incorrect. The promotion of water conservation practices is a function related to river basin management, not wildlife crime control.
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TextbookMedium

Q52.Consider the following statements regarding the operational mechanisms of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): 1. The WCCB has established a centralized online Wildlife Crime Database Management System for real-time data collection. 2. Operation SAVE KURMA and Operation THUNDERBIRD were initiatives executed to investigate problems of environmental pollution in major rivers. 3. The Bureau is responsible for developing infrastructure and capacity building for scientific and professional investigation into wildlife crime.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The WCCB established an online system to collect real-time data and analyze wildlife crime trends. Statement 2 is incorrect. Operations like SAVE KURMA and THUNDERBIRD were successful operations related to wildlife crime control, not investigations into river pollution. Statement 3 is correct. One of the listed functions of the WCCB is the development of infrastructure and capacity building to enable scientific and professional investigation.
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TextbookHard

Q53.Consider the following statements regarding the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA): 1. It was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. 2. It is a statutory body established in the year 2009. 3. Its primary role is that of an executing and implementing agency for pollution abatement projects. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The NGRBA was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Statement 2 is correct. Being constituted under an Act of Parliament, the NGRBA is a statutory body, and it was established in February 2009. Statement 3 is incorrect. The NGRBA is a planning, financing, monitoring, and coordinating body, not primarily an executing or implementing agency. Therefore, only one statement is correct.
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TextbookHard

Q54.With reference to the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), which of the following statements is correct?

Explanation: Option (a) is incorrect because the NGRBA was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, making it a statutory body. Option (b) is incorrect because its mandate is not exclusively financing; it also includes planning, monitoring, and coordination. Option (d) is incorrect because the authority was constituted in February 2009. Option (c) is correct as it accurately describes the functions of the NGRBA as a planning, financing, monitoring, and coordinating body for the centre and the states.
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TextbookHard

Q55.Consider the following statements: 1. The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was established by a special Act of Parliament dedicated solely to the river Ganga. 2. The objective of the NGRBA is to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga. 3. The NGRBA is a coordinating body but lacks the mandate for planning or financing conservation efforts. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The NGRBA was constituted under an existing act, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not by a new, special Act of Parliament. Statement 2 is correct. This is the explicitly stated objective of the NGRBA. Statement 3 is incorrect. The NGRBA's role is defined as being a planning, financing, monitoring, and coordinating body, so it does have the mandate for planning and financing. Therefore, only one statement is correct.
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Current AffairsHard

Q56.With reference to the international framework for managing hazardous wastes, consider the following statements: 1. The Basel Convention's mandate includes regulating the transboundary movements of hazardous and certain other wastes, such as household waste. 2. Recent amendments to the Convention have classified all types of plastic waste as hazardous, subjecting them to its control procedures. 3. The Convention operates on a voluntary basis, providing non-binding guidelines for member countries to follow. How many of the above statements are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Basel Convention's scope covers hazardous wastes (Annex I) and 'other wastes' requiring special consideration, which includes household wastes (Annex II). Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Basel Convention was amended to include certain categories of plastic waste, it does not classify all types of plastic waste as hazardous. The amendments aim to control the trade of non-recyclable and contaminated plastic waste. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Basel Convention is a legally binding international treaty. It establishes a regulatory system and obligations for its parties, not just voluntary guidelines.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q57.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment. Statement-II: UNEA was created as a measure to strengthen and upgrade the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) following the Rio+20 conference. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The UNEA is indeed the highest-level decision-making body on the environment, meeting biennially to set global environmental policies. Statement-II is also correct. The decision to establish UNEA was made at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in 2012, with the explicit goal of strengthening and upgrading UNEP, giving it a new governing body with universal membership. Statement-II provides the historical and institutional reason for the elevated status of UNEA described in Statement-I, making it the correct explanation.
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Current AffairsHard

Q58.Consider the following pairs: 1. Stockholm Convention : Eliminating Persistent Organic Pollutants 2. Champions of the Earth : Highest environmental honour by IUCN 3. Asia Environment Enforcement Awards : Given by the World Bank 4. TRAFFIC : A joint program of WWF and UNEP How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is correctly matched. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The Champions of the Earth award is the highest environmental honour of the United Nations (UN), not the IUCN. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The Asia Environment Enforcement Awards are an initiative by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), not the World Bank. Pair 4 is incorrectly matched. TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, is a joint programme of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), not UNEP. Therefore, only one pair is correctly matched.
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Current AffairsHard

Q59.Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA): 1. It was established as the primary outcome of the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm to upgrade UNEP. 2. It is the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment, meeting biennially in Nairobi. 3. Its resolutions are legally binding on all UN member states and form the basis of international environmental law. How many of the above statements are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) was created in June 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), not the Stockholm Conference of 1972. Statement 2 is correct. UNEA is the highest-level decision-making body on the environment and it meets biennially in Nairobi, Kenya. Statement 3 is incorrect. While UNEA resolutions are highly influential and provide leadership, they are not automatically legally binding on member states in the manner of a ratified treaty.
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Current AffairsHard

Q60.Examine the following statements: Statement-I: Anthropogenic reactive nitrogen contributes significantly to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of stratospheric ozone. Statement-II: The environmental impact of nitrogen is primarily due to high global nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture, leading to surplus accumulation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The release of anthropogenic reactive nitrogen into the environment has multiple adverse effects, including contributing to air pollution, GHG emissions (like nitrous oxide), and stratospheric ozone depletion. Statement-II is incorrect. The problem arises from a *low* global nitrogen use efficiency, not a high one. A significant portion of nitrogen applied as fertilizer is not absorbed by plants and is lost to the environment as pollution, causing the effects described in Statement-I.
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Current AffairsHard

Q61.Consider the following pairs regarding international conventions and their primary mandates: 1. Basel Convention : Complete prohibition of transboundary movement of all waste materials. 2. Stockholm Convention : Phasing out and eliminating Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). 3. Rotterdam Convention : Facilitating Prior Informed Consent (PIC) for trade in hazardous chemicals. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The Basel Convention restricts and regulates the transboundary movement of *hazardous* wastes to ensure their environmentally sound management; it does not impose a complete prohibition on all waste materials. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from Persistent Organic Pollutants. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Rotterdam Convention establishes the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure to help participating countries make informed decisions about the import of hazardous chemicals.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q62.With reference to the concept of 'Just Transition' in the context of environmental policies, consider the following statements: 1. It primarily focuses on providing financial compensation to corporations for phasing out polluting technologies. 2. It emphasizes securing the rights and improving the livelihoods of workers and communities affected by the transition. 3. The principle is exclusively applied to transitions away from fossil fuels and not to other sectors like waste management. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. A just transition focuses on workers and communities, not primarily on compensating corporations. The core idea is equity and justice for people. Statement 2 is correct. This is the central tenet of a just transition, ensuring that the shift to a greener economy is fair and inclusive, protecting those whose jobs and way of life are impacted. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the concept originated in the context of phasing out coal and fossil fuels, its principles are now being applied to various sectors undergoing environmental transitions, including agriculture, manufacturing, and significantly, the plastics and waste management sector.
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Current AffairsHard

Q63.Consider the following statements regarding the international instrument being negotiated to end plastic pollution: 1. The negotiations are conducted under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). 2. A key objective is to address the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal. 3. The instrument is intended to be legally binding, similar in status to the Basel and Stockholm Conventions. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The mandate to negotiate an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution was established at the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2). Statement 2 is correct. A major point of discussion and a core aim of the treaty is to adopt a comprehensive 'lifecycle' approach, moving beyond just waste management to address issues like polymer production, chemical additives, and product design. Statement 3 is correct. The resolution passed by UNEA explicitly calls for the development of an 'international legally binding instrument'. This contrasts with voluntary frameworks and aligns it with the legal nature of major multilateral environmental agreements like the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions.
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Current AffairsHard

Q64.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: A 'just transition' framework within a global plastics treaty is critical for addressing the socio-economic impacts on the informal waste sector. Statement-II: The informal waste sector, while often highly efficient in resource recovery, typically operates with significant deficits in social protection, occupational safety, and income security. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The concept of a 'just transition' is being integrated into the plastics treaty negotiations precisely to manage the profound social and economic consequences for millions of people, particularly those in the informal waste sector who depend on plastic waste for their livelihood. Statement-II is also correct. It accurately describes the reality of the informal waste sector in many parts of the world: it plays a crucial role in recycling and waste management but its workers face hazardous conditions, lack legal recognition, and have no social safety nets. Statement-II provides the underlying reason why a 'just transition' (Statement-I) is necessary. The vulnerabilities and contributions described in Statement-II are the exact problems that a just transition framework aims to solve by formalizing roles, ensuring fair wages, and providing safe working conditions.
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Current AffairsHard

Q65.Consider the following statements regarding a recent international commitment on financing sustainable development: 1. It is a legally binding treaty that makes climate-related financial disclosures mandatory for all signatory nations. 2. It introduces 'Biodiversity Performance Bonds', linking a nation's borrowing costs to its conservation outcomes. 3. The commitment was adopted under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. A 'commitment' in international diplomacy typically refers to a politically significant but non-legally binding declaration, unlike a 'treaty' or 'convention' which involves ratification and creates legal obligations. Statement 2 is correct. It describes an innovative financing instrument where financial terms are linked to environmental performance, a key theme in modern sustainable finance. Statement 3 is correct. The UNEA is the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment, making it the appropriate forum for adopting such global commitments.
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Current AffairsHard

Q66.With reference to a newly proposed 'Global Green Transition Fund', consider the following statements: 1. It is designed to be administered jointly by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). 2. A primary objective is to mobilize private capital to help achieve the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 3. The fund prioritizes financing for projects that demonstrate 'Ecological Solvency Reporting', a new corporate accountability standard. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Major global funds are typically administered by intergovernmental financial institutions like the World Bank or UN bodies like UNEP, which have the mandate and infrastructure for large-scale financial management. IUCN is a membership union focused on conservation science and advocacy, while the WTO deals with trade rules; neither is structured to administer such a fund. Statement 2 is correct, as aligning private finance with global biodiversity goals is a key contemporary challenge addressed by such initiatives. Statement 3 is correct, reflecting the trend of linking new funding mechanisms with enhanced corporate accountability and transparency standards.
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Current AffairsHard

Q67.With reference to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), consider the following statements: 1. It was established as a direct outcome of the UN Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm in 1972. 2. It is the principal global authority for setting the environmental agenda and developing international environmental law. 3. The resolutions passed by the Assembly are legally binding on all member states of the United Nations. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The UNEA was created in June 2012 during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), although the process for a high-level body was initiated decades earlier at Stockholm. Statement 2 is correct. The UNEA is described as the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment, setting priorities for global environmental policies. Statement 3 is incorrect. UNEA resolutions provide leadership and catalyze intergovernmental action; they are not inherently legally binding treaties but represent high-level political consensus and guidance.
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Current AffairsHard

Q68.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Anthropogenic reactive nitrogen is a significant environmental concern, contributing to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and stratospheric ozone depletion. Statement-II: High global nitrogen use efficiency in modern agriculture is the primary cause for the release of excess reactive nitrogen into the atmosphere and water bodies. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The accumulation of anthropogenic reactive nitrogen in the environment leads to multiple pollution threats, including its contribution to air pollution (e.g., smog), GHG emissions (e.g., nitrous oxide), and the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Statement-II is incorrect. The problem stems from low, not high, global nitrogen use efficiency. A significant portion of nitrogen applied as fertilizer is not absorbed by crops, leading to its release into the environment as various reactive compounds, which causes pollution.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q69.Consider the following pairs: Convention : Primary Objective 1. Stockholm Convention : Control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes 2. Basel Convention : Elimination of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) 3. Rotterdam Convention : Prior Informed Consent procedure for hazardous chemicals How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The Stockholm Convention deals with the elimination or restriction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes is the primary objective of the Basel Convention. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The Basel Convention's main objective is to regulate the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal. The elimination of POPs is the mandate of the Stockholm Convention. The objectives of the two conventions have been swapped. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Rotterdam Convention establishes a 'Prior Informed Consent' (PIC) procedure to promote shared responsibility between exporting and importing countries in protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q70.With reference to major UN environmental awards, consider the following statements: 1. The 'Champions of the Earth' award is the highest UN honour recognizing transformative environmental action from public, private, and civil society sectors. 2. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of India was recognized with the Asia Environment Enforcement Award for innovation in combating transboundary environmental crime. 3. The 'Champions of the Earth' award is exclusively conferred upon individuals and does not recognize organizations or institutions. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The award is the UN's highest environmental honour and is given to outstanding figures from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, for their impactful actions. Statement 2 is correct. The WCCB received the Asia Environment Enforcement Award in the innovation category for its use of technology and novel methods to tackle transboundary wildlife crime. Statement 3 is incorrect. While many laureates are individuals (like Afroz Shah and PM Narendra Modi), the award's scope is not limited to them. The criteria include figures from various sectors, which can encompass leaders of organizations or even organizations themselves, depending on the category and year.
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Current AffairsHard

Q71.Consider the following statements regarding international instruments for controlling marine pollution: 1. A global instrument on plastic pollution makes reduction targets legally binding on all signatory nations immediately upon its entry into force. 2. The Basel Convention's amendments regulate the transboundary movement of certain plastic wastes, requiring prior informed consent from importing countries. 3. The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the designated high-level body for negotiating and adopting such global environmental agreements. How many of the above statements are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. International environmental treaties, like the one being negotiated for plastic pollution, often establish a framework first. Legally binding targets are typically introduced later through protocols or are subject to nationally determined contributions, rather than being immediately binding on all signatories. Statement 2 is correct. The 2019 plastic waste amendments to the Basel Convention brought most plastic waste under a legally binding framework, requiring countries to get prior informed consent before exporting certain types of plastic waste. Statement 3 is correct. The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment and serves as the primary platform for forging new global environmental treaties.
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Current AffairsHard

Q72.With reference to the chemical balance of oceans, consider the following statements: Statement-I: Increased atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic reactive nitrogen compounds into marine environments can contribute to localized ocean acidification. Statement-II: This acidification occurs primarily because atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) readily dissolves in seawater and subsequently forms nitric acid.

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. Anthropogenic reactive nitrogen, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) from industrial emissions and agriculture, can be deposited into the ocean. Subsequent microbial processes like nitrification can produce hydrogen ions (H+), thereby increasing acidity and lowering the pH of the water locally. Statement-II is incorrect. This is a process inversion. Atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) is relatively inert and does not readily dissolve or react in seawater to form acid. The acidification process is driven by reactive nitrogen compounds, not the abundant but stable N2 gas.
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Q73.With reference to the governance of marine resources in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), consider the following statements: 1. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is mandated to regulate all economic activities, including deep-sea fishing and bioprospecting, in the high seas. 2. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) provides a framework for the conservation of listed species throughout their migratory range, including in ABNJ. 3. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) enforces a permanent and legally binding ban on all forms of commercial whaling worldwide. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The mandate of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under UNCLOS, is limited to organizing, regulating, and controlling all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area (the 'Area'). It does not regulate fishing or bioprospecting in the water column of the high seas. Statement 2 is correct. The CMS, also known as the Bonn Convention, aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic, and avian migratory species throughout their range. This includes their habitats and migration routes in the high seas (ABNJ) for species like whales, turtles, and sharks. Statement 3 is incorrect. The IWC has established a moratorium on commercial whaling, which is not a permanent ban. Several countries have objected to it or conduct whaling under specific provisions (e.g., for scientific research), making its enforcement not universally absolute.
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Current AffairsHard

Q74.With reference to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), consider the following statements: 1. It was established as a direct outcome of the UN Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm in 1972. 2. It is the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment, with its resolutions being legally binding on all member states. 3. The Assembly meets biennially in Nairobi, Kenya. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The UNEA was created in June 2012 as an outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) to strengthen and upgrade UNEP. The 1972 Stockholm Conference led to the creation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) itself, not the UNEA. Statement 2 is incorrect. While UNEA is the highest-level decision-making body, its resolutions are not inherently legally binding in the manner of a treaty. They represent political consensus and catalyze intergovernmental action but do not carry the force of international law upon all members. Statement 3 is correct. The UNEA is headquartered at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and it convenes its sessions every two years (biennially).
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Q75.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Anthropogenic reactive nitrogen, particularly in the form of nitrous oxide, contributes to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Statement-II: Increased nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture universally leads to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in stratospheric ozone. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. Anthropogenic reactive nitrogen contributes to multiple environmental problems. Specifically, nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, is also a significant ozone-depleting substance in the stratosphere. Statement-II is incorrect. While improving nitrogen use efficiency is a key goal to reduce pollution, the statement makes an oversimplified and universally absolute claim. The relationship is complex; for instance, under certain anaerobic soil conditions, efforts to manage nitrogen might inadvertently increase emissions of N2O. The statement inverts the process by presenting a solution as a universal scientific law without acknowledging its complexities and potential trade-offs. Therefore, it is not a valid scientific principle explaining Statement-I.
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Current AffairsHard

Q76.Consider the following pairs: Convention/Body : Primary Mandate 1. Basel Convention : Regulating trade in endangered species 2. Stockholm Convention : Controlling transboundary movements of hazardous wastes 3. Rotterdam Convention : Procedure for Prior Informed Consent for hazardous chemicals 4. Global Tiger Forum : An inter-governmental body for the conservation of tigers How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The Basel Convention's primary mandate is to control the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal. Regulating trade in endangered species is the primary mandate of CITES. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The Stockholm Convention deals with eliminating or restricting the production and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Controlling transboundary movements of hazardous wastes is the mandate of the Basel Convention. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Rotterdam Convention establishes a 'Prior Informed Consent' (PIC) procedure for the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides. Pair 4 is correctly matched. The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is the only inter-governmental and international body established with members from willing countries to embark on a global campaign to protect the Tiger. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.
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Current AffairsHard

Q77.With reference to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), consider the following statements: 1. It was established as a direct outcome of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. 2. It is the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment, with its resolutions being legally binding on all member states. 3. It serves as the governing body of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The UNEA was created in June 2012 at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) to strengthen and upgrade the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP itself was an outcome of the 1972 Stockholm Conference. Statement 2 is incorrect. While UNEA is the highest-level decision-making body on the environment, its resolutions are generally not legally binding. They set global environmental policy and can lead to the development of international environmental law, but they do not have the automatic binding force of, for example, a UN Security Council resolution. Statement 3 is correct. The UNEA is the governing body of UNEP and the successor to its Governing Council. It meets biennially to set the global environmental agenda. Therefore, only one statement is correct.
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Current AffairsHard

Q78.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Recent international environmental deliberations have increasingly focused on sustainable nitrogen management. Statement-II: Anthropogenic reactive nitrogen contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while also aiding in the restoration of the stratospheric ozone layer. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. International bodies, such as the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), have adopted resolutions on Sustainable Nitrogen Management, indicating a significant global focus on the issue. Statement-II is incorrect. While anthropogenic reactive nitrogen does contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, it also contributes to stratospheric ozone *depletion*, primarily through nitrous oxide (N₂O). It does not aid in the restoration of the ozone layer. The statement incorrectly inverts this known environmental process.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q79.With reference to the key outcomes of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, consider the following documents: 1. Agenda 21 2. Forest Principles 3. Convention on Biological Diversity 4. Rio Declaration on Environment and Development How many of the above are legally non-binding documents?

Explanation: The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) or Earth Summit produced several key documents. Agenda 21 is a comprehensive, non-binding action plan for sustainable development. The Forest Principles (full name: Non-Legally Binding Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global Consensus on the Management, Conservation and Sustainable Development of All Types of Forests) are, by their very name, non-binding. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development is a set of 27 principles that are also non-binding, guiding future sustainable development. In contrast, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding international treaty that was opened for signature at the summit. Therefore, Agenda 21, the Forest Principles, and the Rio Declaration are the three non-binding documents from the list.
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Current AffairsHard

Q80.Consider the following consequences of anthropogenic reactive nitrogen pollution in the environment: 1. Eutrophication and hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems. 2. Contribution to acid rain and photochemical smog. 3. Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. How many of the above are recognized consequences?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Excess nitrogen runoff leads to algal blooms, which consume oxygen upon decomposition, causing eutrophication and hypoxia in water bodies. Statement 2 is correct: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are key air pollutants that contribute to acid rain (as nitric acid) and are precursors to the formation of ground-level ozone and photochemical smog. Statement 3 is correct: Nitrous oxide (N2O), a form of reactive nitrogen, is a potent greenhouse gas and also acts as a significant ozone-depleting substance in the stratosphere.
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Q81.With reference to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), consider the following statements: 1. It was created as a key outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). 2. It serves as the world's highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters, meeting biennially. 3. Resolutions passed by the Assembly, such as on 'Sustainable Nitrogen Management', are legally binding on all member states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The UNEA was established in June 2012 following the Rio+20 conference to strengthen and upgrade the UN Environment Programme. Statement 2 is correct: UNEA is the highest global decision-making body on the environment and it convenes every two years in Nairobi, Kenya. Statement 3 is incorrect: Resolutions of the UN Environment Assembly are not automatically legally binding international law. They represent political consensus and can catalyze action and lead to the development of binding treaties, but are not binding in themselves.
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Q82.Statement-I: The Basel Convention regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and focuses on their environmentally sound management. Statement-II: The Convention's primary list of controlled substances includes persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like hexabromocyclododecane and pentachlorobenzene. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The principal aim of the Basel Convention is to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes by controlling their transboundary movements. Statement-II is incorrect. The substances mentioned, such as hexabromocyclododecane and pentachlorobenzene, are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). These are regulated under the Stockholm Convention, not the Basel Convention. The trap involves swapping the mandates of two distinct conventions.
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Current AffairsHard

Q83.With reference to the United Nations' practice of designating 'International Years' for environmental themes, consider the following statements: 1. The designation is primarily a decision made by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). 2. These designations impose legally binding obligations on member states to meet specific conservation targets. 3. Specialized agencies like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO often lead the implementation of such initiatives. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. International Years are designated by the UN General Assembly (UNGA), which is the main deliberative and policymaking body of the UN. While bodies like UNEP or UNEA may propose or support such initiatives, the final decision rests with the UNGA. Statement 2 is incorrect. Such designations are primarily tools for raising global awareness and encouraging voluntary action and international cooperation. They do not create legally binding obligations for member states. Statement 3 is correct. For themes related to the cryosphere, WMO (e.g., through its Global Cryosphere Watch) and UNESCO (e.g., through its World Heritage Centre and hydrological programmes) are key UN agencies that provide scientific expertise and coordinate international efforts.
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Q84.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The retreat of glaciers and ice sheets is considered a positive feedback mechanism in the context of global climate change. Statement-II: As ice melts, it exposes darker surfaces like water or land, which absorb more solar radiation, leading to further warming and melting.

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. A positive feedback mechanism is a process where the output of an action causes more of that action to occur, amplifying the original effect. The retreat of glaciers accelerates warming, which in turn accelerates glacier retreat. Statement-II is also correct and provides the precise scientific reason for Statement-I. Ice and snow have a high albedo, meaning they reflect a large portion of incoming solar radiation. When they melt, they expose darker land or ocean surfaces, which have a lower albedo. These darker surfaces absorb more solar energy, leading to increased temperatures and further melting. Thus, Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
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Q85.With reference to the environmental impacts of glacier retreat, consider the following statements: 1. The contribution of glacial melt to river discharge is most critical during the peak rainy season in monsoon-influenced regions. 2. The formation of unstable moraine-dammed lakes increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in downstream valleys. 3. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), transported atmospherically and deposited on glaciers, can be re-released into the environment as the ice melts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The contribution of glacial meltwater to river flow is most critical during the dry, pre-monsoon season when other water sources are minimal. During the peak rainy season, rainfall is the dominant source of river discharge. Statement 2 is correct. As glaciers retreat, they can leave behind large volumes of water dammed by unstable moraines (accumulations of soil and rock). The failure of these moraine dams can lead to catastrophic glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), posing a significant hazard to downstream communities. Statement 3 is correct. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as those regulated under the Stockholm Convention, can undergo long-range atmospheric transport and become trapped in the ice of cold regions. Global warming and subsequent glacier melt can remobilize these trapped pollutants, releasing them into sensitive downstream ecosystems.
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Current AffairsHard

Q86.Consider the following statements regarding the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS): 1. It functions as a framework convention, encouraging Range States to establish regional or global conservation instruments. 2. All agreements and instruments concluded under the CMS framework are legally binding treaties on the signatory nations. 3. Species that would significantly benefit from international cooperation, even if not immediately threatened with extinction, are listed in its Appendix II. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. CMS is a framework Convention that encourages its member states (Range States) to conclude agreements for conservation. Statement 2 is incorrect. The instruments under CMS can range from legally binding treaties (termed 'Agreements') to less formal instruments like Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which are not legally binding. Statement 3 is correct. Appendix II is for migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation for their conservation, which is a broader category than just those threatened with extinction (which are listed in Appendix I).
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Current AffairsMedium

Q87.With reference to the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), a significant migratory route for birds, consider the following statements: 1. It is a vast avian migratory route that extends from the northernmost breeding grounds in the Arctic to the southernmost non-breeding grounds in the Indian Ocean. 2. India has developed a National Action Plan dedicated to the conservation of migratory species that utilize this flyway. 3. The flyway is primarily significant for the conservation of several bird species that are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Central Asian Flyway covers a large continental area of Eurasia between the Arctic and Indian Oceans. Statement 2 is correct. India has launched the 'National Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Birds and their Habitats along the Central Asian Flyway (2018-2023)' to this effect. Statement 3 is incorrect. This is a logical contradiction. Migratory species using a flyway travel across multiple countries and continents; by definition, they cannot be endemic (i.e., restricted) to a single region like the Indian subcontinent.
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Current AffairsHard

Q88.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The conservation of migratory species often necessitates the establishment of international agreements and Memoranda of Understanding between different countries. Statement-II: Species are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) primarily because they are globally threatened with extinction. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. Since migratory species cross national borders, their conservation cannot be achieved by a single country alone, thus requiring international cooperation and agreements. Statement-II is incorrect. Appendix I of CMS lists migratory species that are threatened with extinction. Appendix II lists migratory species that have an unfavorable conservation status and require international agreements for their conservation and management, or would significantly benefit from such cooperation. Therefore, being threatened with extinction is the primary criterion for Appendix I, not Appendix II.
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Current AffairsHard

Q89.With reference to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), consider the following statements: 1. It acts as a framework Convention, encouraging Range States to conclude regional agreements. 2. Species that would significantly benefit from international cooperation are listed in its Appendix II. 3. All agreements concluded under the aegis of the CMS are legally binding treaties. How many of the above statements are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The CMS, also known as the Bonn Convention, functions as a framework convention. It provides a platform and encourages its parties (Range States) to develop and conclude agreements for specific species or regions. Statement 2 is correct. Appendix II of CMS is for migratory species that require or would significantly benefit from international agreements for their conservation and management. Statement 3 is incorrect. This is a common misconception. Agreements under CMS can range from legally binding treaties (formally called 'Agreements') to less formal, non-binding instruments like Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), allowing for flexibility.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q90.Consider the following statements regarding the Central Asian Flyway (CAF): 1. It is a major bird flyway network that covers the vast continental area between the Arctic and Indian Oceans. 2. India has launched a National Action Plan dedicated to conserving migratory species along this flyway. 3. All migratory water bird species found along the CAF are designated as globally threatened. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Central Asian Flyway is a major migratory route for birds, extending from the northernmost breeding grounds in the Arctic to the non-breeding wintering grounds in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Statement 2 is correct. Recognizing its strategic location, India has launched the 'National Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Birds and their Habitats along the Central Asian Flyway' to coordinate conservation efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect. This statement makes an absolute claim which is factually wrong. While the CAF is a critical habitat for many globally threatened species, it supports hundreds of species in total, the vast majority of which are not threatened. The relationship is inverted; the flyway includes threatened species, but not all species on it are threatened.
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Current AffairsHard

Q91.With reference to the fauna of the Nicobar Islands, consider the following statements: 1. The Nicobar Megapode, a bird that builds nests on the ground, is found widely across the Indian subcontinent. 2. The Saltwater Crocodile, found in the region's mangrove ecosystems, is listed as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List. 3. The Giant Leatherback turtle, a marine reptile, has one of its largest global nesting sites in this island group. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The Nicobar Megapode is endemic to the Nicobar Islands and is not found on the Indian subcontinent. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Saltwater Crocodile is listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, as its population is stable and widespread across many countries, although it is protected under Schedule I of the WPA, 1972 in India. Statement 3 is correct: The beaches of Great Nicobar Island, particularly Galathea Bay, are globally significant nesting sites for the Giant Leatherback turtle. Therefore, only one statement is correct.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q92.Consider the following statements regarding the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India: 1. The Tribunal is bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. 2. The Tribunal has jurisdiction to hear appeals directly arising from the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 3. Decisions of the NGT are binding and can be executed as a decree of a civil court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The NGT is guided by principles of natural justice and is not bound by the procedural rules of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Statement 2 is incorrect: The NGT's jurisdiction is confined to schedules listed in the NGT Act, 2010, which includes acts like the Water Act, Air Act, and Environment (Protection) Act. It explicitly excludes the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Statement 3 is correct: An order or award of the Tribunal is enforceable as a decree of a civil court, and its decisions are legally binding on the parties.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q93.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Large-scale coastal infrastructure projects with extensive artificial lighting pose a significant threat to marine turtle populations. Statement-II: Turtle hatchlings are phototactic, instinctively moving towards the brightest light source, which in a natural environment is the moon's reflection on the sea. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. Artificial lighting from coastal development disorients both nesting female turtles and emerging hatchlings, leading to failed nesting and increased mortality. Statement-II is also correct and provides the precise biological reason for the phenomenon described in Statement-I. Hatchlings have an innate instinct to move towards the brightest light, which on an undeveloped beach is the horizon over the sea. Artificial lights from human settlements can cause them to move inland, leading to exhaustion, dehydration, and predation. Thus, Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
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Current AffairsHard

Q94.Consider the following pairs: 1. Shompen Tribe : A coastal community primarily engaged in fishing and trade. 2. Galathea Bay : A Wildlife Sanctuary known for marine turtle nesting. 3. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve : Legally established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: The Shompen are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of Great Nicobar who are primarily semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers of the island's interior forests, not a coastal fishing community. Pair 2 is correctly matched: Galathea Bay was a Wildlife Sanctuary and is a critical nesting site for Leatherback turtles. The project involves its denotification. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Biosphere Reserves in India are designated under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. While they contain National Parks and Sanctuaries notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Biosphere Reserve itself is not established under the EPA, 1986. Therefore, only one pair is correctly matched.
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Current AffairsHard

Q95.Consider the following statements regarding an environmental phenomenon observed near certain mining areas: Statement-I: Water bodies in proximity to unscientific coal extraction sites often turn highly acidic and are marked by a distinct reddish-orange precipitate. Statement-II: This process, known as Acid Mine Drainage, is initiated by the release of alkaline compounds from exposed rock strata, which then react with atmospheric oxygen. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The phenomenon described is a classic sign of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), where water pH drops and iron precipitates. Statement-II is incorrect. AMD is caused by the oxidation of sulfide minerals (like pyrite), not the release of alkaline compounds. This oxidation produces sulfuric acid, which lowers the pH. Alkaline compounds would neutralize acid and raise the pH, which is the opposite of what happens in AMD.
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Current AffairsHard

Q96.With reference to the regulation of mining activities in India, consider the following statements: 1. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is empowered to ban mining activities on grounds of environmental degradation, even in areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. 2. The Sixth Schedule grants Autonomous District Councils exclusive and overriding powers over mineral regulation, making central mining laws non-applicable in these areas. 3. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is the primary legislation for mineral regulation but explicitly excludes tribal lands from its purview. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Supreme Court has upheld the NGT's jurisdiction to intervene on environmental grounds across the country, including in Sixth Schedule areas, as environmental protection is a paramount concern. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Autonomous District Councils have significant powers, they are not exclusive or overriding. Central laws, particularly on major minerals and environmental protection, apply, and their implementation requires coordination. Statement 3 is incorrect. The MMDR Act, 1957, applies to the entire country, including tribal lands. The application in Sixth Schedule areas is subject to constitutional provisions, but the Act is not excluded.
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Current AffairsMedium

Q97.Certain primitive and narrow excavation methods for extracting minerals from thin horizontal seams can lead to severe environmental consequences. Consider the following impacts: 1. Contamination of surface and groundwater sources through Acid Mine Drainage. 2. Increased frequency of landslides due to deforestation and land subsidence. 3. A significant and beneficial rise in the local groundwater table as pits get filled with water. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Such mining exposes sulfide-bearing rocks, leading to Acid Mine Drainage which pollutes water bodies. Statement 2 is correct. The removal of vegetation and the creation of unstable tunnels and pits in hilly regions destabilize slopes, leading to soil erosion and landslides. Statement 3 is incorrect. While pits may fill with water, this water is highly contaminated and acidic. This does not constitute a beneficial rise in the groundwater table; rather, it represents the contamination and potential depletion of the underlying natural aquifer system.
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Current AffairsHard

Q98.Consider the following statements regarding the legal protection of the Aravalli Range: 1. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is empowered to take suo motu cognizance of environmental degradation in the Aravallis. 2. A blanket ban on all mining activities across the entire Aravalli range in all states has been permanently enforced by a single parliamentary act. 3. The Supreme Court has designated the entire Aravalli hill system as a 'deemed forest' under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The National Green Tribunal has wide-ranging powers, including the ability to take up matters on its own initiative (suo motu) to address significant environmental issues, which it has done for the Aravallis. Statement 2 is incorrect. While there have been numerous court-ordered bans and restrictions on mining in specific areas of the Aravallis (e.g., in Haryana), there is no single parliamentary act that imposes a permanent, blanket ban across the entire range spanning multiple states. The restrictions are often region-specific and a result of judicial pronouncements. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Supreme Court has passed several orders protecting parts of the Aravallis and has interpreted the definition of 'forest' broadly, but it has not declared the 'entire' Aravalli hill system as a 'deemed forest' in a single, all-encompassing judgment. The legal status can vary by state and specific notifications.
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Q99.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the authority to provide relief and compensation for damages to persons and property due to environmental degradation in areas like the Aravallis. Statement-II: The NGT functions as a specialized body under the direct administrative control of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for adjudicating environmental cases. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The NGT Act, 2010, explicitly mandates the tribunal to provide for relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith. This is one of its primary functions. Statement-II is incorrect. The NGT is an independent statutory and quasi-judicial body established by the NGT Act, 2010. It is not under the direct administrative control of the MoEFCC, which ensures its autonomy in adjudicating environmental disputes, where the government or its agencies can also be a party. It follows principles of natural justice.
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Q100.With reference to the Aravalli Range, consider the following statements: 1. It acts as a natural barrier checking the eastward spread of the Thar desert. 2. The range is one of the world's oldest fold mountain systems, now eroded into a residual mountain. 3. The Dhok tree (Anogeissus pendula), a key species of the Aravalli forests, is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Aravalli Range runs in a northeast-southwest direction and serves as a crucial climatic and geographical barrier, preventing the arid conditions of the Thar Desert from extending into the more fertile plains of eastern Rajasthan and the Gangetic basin. Statement 2 is correct. Geologically, the Aravallis are remnants of a very old fold mountain system dating back to the Proterozoic era, which has been significantly eroded over millions of years. Statement 3 is correct. The Dhok tree (Anogeissus pendula) is a dominant species in the Aravalli ecosystem and is indeed endemic to the Indian subcontinent, primarily found in the dry tropical forests of this region. The trap here is that 'endemic to the Indian subcontinent' is a broad range, but it is not a widespread global species, making the statement factually accurate in its context.
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Current AffairsHard

Q101.Consider the following pairs: 1. Mangar Bani : Sacred grove protected by local community faith 2. Sariska Tiger Reserve : Part of the Aravalli landscape facing threats from illegal mining 3. Asola Bhatti WLS : An area where groundwater recharge has significantly increased due to afforestation How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is correctly matched. Mangar Bani, located in the Aravallis of Haryana, is a sacred grove that has been traditionally protected by the local Gujjar community, which holds it in deep reverence. Pair 2 is correctly matched. Sariska Tiger Reserve is situated within the Aravalli Range and has historically faced severe threats from illegal mining, particularly for marble, which has fragmented habitats and disrupted wildlife corridors. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Southern Ridge part of the Aravallis in Delhi, is an area of abandoned mining pits. Eco-restoration and afforestation efforts have helped in the revival of the ecosystem, and the pits now act as significant water bodies, contributing to local groundwater recharge. The trap is to assume that mining pits only cause degradation, but in this case, their post-mining state, combined with restoration, has inverted the process to aid water conservation.
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Current AffairsHard

Q102.Consider the following statements regarding India's principal body for environmental adjudication: 1. It is a statutory body established for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection. 2. India was the third country globally to establish such a specialized tribunal, following Australia and New Zealand. 3. The Tribunal is mandated to make an endeavour for the disposal of applications or appeals finally within six months of filing. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, making it a statutory body. Its principal objective is the effective and expeditious disposal of cases pertaining to environmental protection and conservation. Statement 2 is correct. With the establishment of the NGT, India became the third country in the world to set up a specialised environmental tribunal, following Australia and New Zealand. Statement 3 is correct. Section 19(1) of the NGT Act, 2010, explicitly mandates that the Tribunal shall make an endeavour for the disposal of an application or appeal finally within six months from the date of its filing. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
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Current AffairsHard

Q103.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is not bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Statement-II: The NGT's mandate for expeditious, science-based adjudication requires procedural flexibility, hence it is guided by the principles of natural justice. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is factually correct. Section 19(1) of the NGT Act, 2010 explicitly states that the Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Statement-II is also correct and provides the direct rationale for the provision in Statement-I. The objective of speedy and effective environmental justice, which often involves technical and scientific complexities, is better served by the flexible 'principles of natural justice' rather than the rigid and often lengthy procedures of the CPC. Thus, Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
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Q104.With reference to the National Bamboo Mission (NBM), consider the following statements: 1. It is primarily implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. One of its objectives is to promote the marketing of bamboo and related handicrafts. 3. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 100% financial contribution from the Central Government. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Bamboo Mission is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation under the Ministry of Agriculture, not the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Statement 2 is correct. The mission explicitly aims to promote the marketing of bamboo and bamboo-based handicrafts to ensure better returns for producers. Statement 3 is correct. The mission is structured as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme where the Central Government provides 100% of the funding.
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Q105.Consider the following statements regarding the Biodiversity Conservation & Rural Livelihood Improvement Project (BCRLIP): 1. The project is exclusively funded by a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). 2. It aims to conserve biodiversity in selected landscapes, including within existing wildlife protected areas. 3. It utilizes participatory approaches such as Joint Forest Management (JFM) to link conservation with local livelihoods. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The project is not exclusively funded by the GEF. It is financed by multiple sources, including an IDA loan, a GEF grant, and contributions from the Government of India, State Governments, and beneficiaries. Statement 2 is correct. The project's scope explicitly includes conserving biodiversity in selected landscapes, which encompasses wildlife protected areas and critical conservation areas. Statement 3 is correct. The project's methodology is based on improving rural livelihoods through participatory approaches, citing Joint Forest Management and eco-development as key models.
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Q106.Consider the following statements regarding the institutional framework of the Convention on Wetlands: 1. It is a legally binding treaty administered directly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 2. The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites maintained as a principal tool of the Convention. 3. International Organization Partners (IOPs), such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), have a formal status in the Convention's implementation. How many of the above statements are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty but is not part of the United Nations system. Its secretariat is administered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), not directly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), although they do collaborate. Statement 2 is correct. The Montreux Record is a principal tool of the Convention, functioning as a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur. Statement 3 is correct. The Convention has a formal mechanism for collaboration with non-governmental organizations, designated as International Organization Partners (IOPs). These partners, including WWF, play a significant role in the Convention's implementation. Therefore, two statements (2 and 3) are correct.
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Q107.Examine the following statements: Statement-I: A wetland site, once included in the Montreux Record, can be removed from the list. Statement-II: The inclusion of a site in the Montreux Record is due to positive changes in its ecological character resulting from successful conservation efforts. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. A site can be removed from the Montreux Record if its ecological character is restored. The case of India's Chilika Lake, which was removed from the Record in 2002 following rehabilitation, confirms this. Statement-II is incorrect. This statement inverts the process. A site is placed on the Montreux Record due to negative changes (or the threat thereof) in ecological character from pollution or human interference. Removal, not inclusion, is the result of successful conservation efforts.
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Q108.Consider the following pairs regarding international environmental bodies and their affiliations: 1. TRAFFIC : A joint programme of WWF and IUCN 2. CITES Secretariat : Administered by the United Nations Environment Programme 3. Bonn Convention (CMS) : Concluded under the aegis of the World Bank How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is correctly matched. TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, is explicitly a joint conservation programme of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Pair 2 is correctly matched. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is administered through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, was concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), not the World Bank. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched.
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Q109.With reference to international biodiversity frameworks, consider the following statements: 1. The Cartagena Protocol primarily deals with the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. 2. The Nagoya Protocol establishes procedures for regulating the transboundary movement of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). 3. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding international treaty that recognizes conservation as a 'common concern of humankind'. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Nagoya Protocol, not the Cartagena Protocol, deals with the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources (ABS). Statement 2 is incorrect. The Cartagena Protocol, not the Nagoya Protocol, establishes procedures for the safe transfer of LMOs. Statement 3 is correct. The CBD is a legally binding convention that frames biodiversity conservation as a common concern and an integral part of the development process.
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Q110.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Nagoya Protocol creates greater legal certainty and transparency for both providers and users of genetic resources. Statement-II: It establishes binding obligations on Parties to monitor the utilization of genetic resources and ensure they were accessed in accordance with the provider country's laws. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The Nagoya Protocol aims to establish more predictable and transparent conditions for access to genetic resources. Statement-II is also correct. A key innovation of the Nagoya Protocol is the creation of compliance obligations, requiring user countries to ensure genetic resources were accessed legally through Prior Informed Consent and on Mutually Agreed Terms. This mandatory compliance framework is the primary reason the protocol provides greater legal certainty, thus Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
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Q111.Consider the following pairs: (Instrument/Act) : (Primary Focus/Mechanism) 1. Cartagena Protocol : Access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing 2. Nagoya Protocol : Safe transfer and handling of LMOs 3. Biological Diversity Act, 2002 : Three-tier structure for regulating access to bio-resources How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The Cartagena Protocol's primary focus is on biosafety, specifically the safe transfer, handling, and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) is the focus of the Nagoya Protocol. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The Nagoya Protocol's primary focus is on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits (ABS). The safe transfer of LMOs is the focus of the Cartagena Protocol. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Indian Biological Diversity Act, 2002, establishes a three-tier structure comprising the National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, and local Biodiversity Management Committees. Therefore, only one pair is correctly matched.
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Q112.With reference to 'Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures' (OECMs), consider the following statements: 1. For an area to be designated as an OECM, its primary management objective must be the long-term, in-situ conservation of biodiversity. 2. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework includes OECMs as a component for achieving the '30 by 30' conservation target. 3. In India, once an area is identified as an OECM, it is granted the same legal protection status as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The defining characteristic of an OECM is that it achieves effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity regardless of its primary management objectives. The primary objective might be cultural, spiritual, or for resource extraction. An area where conservation is the primary objective is classified as a Protected Area (PA). Statement 2 is correct. Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework explicitly aims to conserve at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas through systems of protected areas and OECMs. Statement 3 is incorrect. OECM is an international designation for reporting conservation efforts. It does not automatically confer any legal status under India's domestic laws like the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The legal status of the area remains unchanged unless separately notified under a relevant national act.
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Q113.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The targets set under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), such as the '30 by 30' target, are legally binding on all signatory nations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Statement-II: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international legally binding treaty, and therefore all frameworks and targets adopted under its ambit automatically inherit this binding legal status. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is incorrect. The targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework are globally agreed upon goals that represent a political commitment by the parties. They are not legally binding in themselves; their implementation depends on national strategies, plans, and legislation. Statement-II is incorrect. While the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) itself is a legally binding treaty, this does not mean that all subsequent decisions, frameworks, or targets adopted by the Conference of the Parties (COP) are automatically legally binding. The legal nature of such instruments depends on their specific provisions and the intent of the parties. The KMGBF targets are aspirational and intended to guide national action.
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Q114.In the context of biodiversity governance in India, consider the following statements: 1. The identification and reporting of potential OECMs are primarily the responsibility of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), which also directly manages these sites. 2. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, play a crucial role in documenting local biodiversity, which is essential for identifying potential OECMs. 3. The principles of Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) as per the Nagoya Protocol are applicable to OECMs, ensuring equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources with local communities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The identification of OECMs is a multi-stakeholder, often bottom-up process involving local communities, State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and other agencies. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) acts as a national focal point for coordination and reporting to the CBD, but it does not directly manage all these sites. Management is done by the relevant governing authority of the site. Statement 2 is correct. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are constituted at the local body level to promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Their key function is the preparation of People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), which document local biological resources and traditional knowledge, forming a critical information base for identifying potential OECMs. Statement 3 is correct. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing applies to the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, irrespective of whether the area is a Protected Area, an OECM, or any other land/seascape. If genetic resources from an OECM are accessed, the ABS framework must be followed to ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing.
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Q115.With reference to international biodiversity governance frameworks, consider the following statements: 1. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding multilateral treaty with objectives covering conservation, sustainable use, and benefit-sharing. 2. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety specifically focuses on the transboundary movement of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). 3. The Nagoya Protocol provides a voluntary framework for access to genetic resources, encouraging but not obligating parties to share benefits. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Convention on Biological Diversity is a legally binding international treaty. Its three main goals are the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. Statement 2 is correct. The Cartagena Protocol is an agreement under the CBD that aims to ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of LMOs resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, focusing on transboundary movements. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Nagoya Protocol is not a voluntary framework; it establishes a transparent legal framework and sets out core obligations for its parties regarding access to genetic resources, benefit-sharing, and compliance.
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Q116.Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs): Statement-I: The Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure mandates that an exporting country must receive explicit consent from an importing country before the first transboundary movement of an LMO intended for direct introduction into the environment. Statement-II: The AIA procedure is the primary mechanism for regulating LMOs intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing (LMOs-FFP). Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure, under the Cartagena Protocol, is specifically designed for LMOs that are to be intentionally introduced into the environment of the importing Party. It requires the exporter to provide detailed information and the importer to make an informed decision before the first shipment. Statement-II is incorrect. There is a distinct and separate procedure for LMOs intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing (LMOs-FFP). This procedure relies on Parties making their decisions and relevant risk assessment information publicly available through the Biosafety Clearing-House, rather than the case-by-case AIA consent process. Therefore, the AIA procedure is not the primary mechanism for LMOs-FFP.
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Q117.Consider the following pairs related to international biodiversity protocols: 1. Nagoya Protocol : Establishes a legal framework for fair and equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources. 2. Cartagena Protocol : Provides rules for liability and redress for damage to biodiversity from LMOs. 3. Biosafety Clearing-House : A central mechanism for information exchange on LMOs under the Cartagena Protocol. 4. Mutually Agreed Terms : A core component of the Nagoya Protocol for defining benefit-sharing conditions. How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is correctly matched. The Nagoya Protocol's primary objective is to provide a transparent legal framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. While the Cartagena Protocol deals with the safe transfer of LMOs, the specific rules for liability and redress are established by the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress, which supplements the Cartagena Protocol. Pair 3 is correctly matched. The Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) is an information-sharing platform established by the Cartagena Protocol to facilitate the exchange of scientific, technical, environmental, and legal information on LMOs. Pair 4 is correctly matched. Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) are a fundamental aspect of the Nagoya Protocol, representing the agreements reached between providers and users of genetic resources on the conditions for access and benefit-sharing.
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Q118.With reference to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 of India, consider the following statements: 1. The Act was enacted to fulfill India's obligations under the legally binding Convention on Biological Diversity. 2. It establishes a three-tier structure comprising the National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, and Biodiversity Management Committees. 3. The Act recognizes the sovereign rights of the Indian State over its biological resources, superseding all local community claims. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was passed by the Parliament of India to meet the obligations enshrined in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to which India is a party. Statement 2 is correct. The Act provides for a decentralized, three-tier structure: the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at the national level, State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) at the state level, and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local body level. Statement 3 is incorrect. While the Act asserts sovereign rights over biological resources, it does not supersede all local community claims. In fact, a key aspect of the framework, particularly through the Nagoya Protocol and reflected in the Act's implementation, is the requirement to ensure benefit-sharing with and respect for the rights of indigenous and local communities over their traditional knowledge and resources.
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Q119.Consider the following statements regarding the international agreement on marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction: 1. The agreement establishes a legally binding framework for sharing both monetary and non-monetary benefits derived from Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs). 2. The principles of Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) under this agreement supersede and replace the Nagoya Protocol for all marine environments. 3. The establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the high seas under the agreement requires a unanimous consensus of all UN member states. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The High Seas Treaty (or BBNJ Agreement) indeed creates a legally binding instrument that includes provisions for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits, both monetary (e.g., royalties) and non-monetary (e.g., sharing research data, technology transfer), from Marine Genetic Resources. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Nagoya Protocol applies to genetic resources within a nation's jurisdiction. The High Seas Treaty applies to areas *beyond* national jurisdiction. The two frameworks are complementary and cover different geographical areas; one does not replace the other. Statement 3 is incorrect: Decisions for establishing MPAs are to be taken by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the treaty, not all UN member states. While decisions are aimed to be taken by consensus, the treaty includes voting procedures if consensus cannot be reached, thus not requiring unanimity.
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Q120.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are considered hotspots for unique Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) with high potential for biotechnological applications. Statement-II: The primary producers in these ecosystems are extremophiles that harness geothermal energy for photosynthesis to create organic matter in the absence of sunlight. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host unique ecosystems with extremophilic organisms that have evolved novel biochemical pathways to survive in extreme conditions. These unique adaptations make their genetic material (MGRs) a valuable source for new enzymes, drugs, and other biotechnological products. Statement-II is incorrect. The process described is flawed. While the primary producers are indeed extremophiles, they perform *chemosynthesis*, not photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires sunlight. Chemosynthesis uses chemical energy, typically from the oxidation of inorganic compounds like hydrogen sulfide released from the vents, to produce organic matter. They do not directly harness geothermal energy.
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Q121.With reference to the governance of biological resources concerning India, consider the following statements: 1. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is the statutory body for regulating access to biological resources within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 2. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal ministry for implementing India's deep-ocean exploration missions in areas beyond national jurisdiction. 3. All benefits arising from the use of genetic resources from the high seas by Indian entities are governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, extends to all of India, including its territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is the designated authority under this Act to regulate access to these resources. Statement 2 is correct: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is the nodal ministry for India's ambitious 'Deep Ocean Mission'. This mission includes exploration for resources like polymetallic nodules and research on deep-sea biodiversity in international waters. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, governs access and benefit-sharing for resources within India's national jurisdiction. Resources from areas beyond national jurisdiction (the high seas) fall outside its purview. The benefit-sharing for such resources would be governed by the international High Seas Treaty, once India ratifies and implements it through domestic legislation.
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Q122.With reference to the international framework for biosafety, consider the following statements: 1. The Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure is mandatory for all transboundary movements of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs), including those intended for food or feed. 2. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity, focusing on the safe transfer and handling of LMOs. 3. The Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol establishes the primary framework for benefit-sharing arising from the use of LMOs. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure specifically applies to LMOs intended for direct introduction into the environment, not for all LMOs. There is a separate, simpler procedure for LMOs intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing (LMOs-FFP). Statement 2 is correct. The Cartagena Protocol is an additional agreement to the CBD, designed to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by LMOs resulting from modern biotechnology. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol deals with liability and redress for damage caused by LMOs. The framework for benefit-sharing is primarily established by the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing, not the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Protocol. Therefore, only one statement is correct.
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Q123.Consider the following statements regarding the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits: 1. It creates an obligation for parties to take measures ensuring that genetic resources utilized within their jurisdiction have been accessed with Prior Informed Consent. 2. The protocol's scope on benefit-sharing is limited to monetary benefits, such as royalties from commercialization. 3. It extends its provisions to traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources held by indigenous and local communities. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. A core compliance obligation under the Nagoya Protocol is for parties to ensure that access to genetic resources is based on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) of the provider country. Statement 2 is incorrect. The protocol explicitly states that benefits may be monetary (e.g., royalties) or non-monetary (e.g., sharing of research results, technology transfer). Limiting it to monetary benefits is a false exclusion. Statement 3 is correct. The protocol is significant for including provisions that address traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, requiring fair and equitable benefit-sharing with the communities that hold this knowledge.
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Q124.Given below are two statements: Statement-I: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, establishes a three-tier structure comprising the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). Statement-II: Under this Act, the Biodiversity Management Committees at the local level are the apex bodies for regulating access to biological resources and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing across the country. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. India's Biological Diversity Act, 2002, indeed creates a decentralized three-tier structure for its implementation: the NBA at the national level, SBBs at the state level, and BMCs at the local body level. Statement-II is incorrect. This statement inverts the institutional hierarchy. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is the apex body responsible for regulating access to biological resources and other functions under the Act. The Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) operate at the local level, primarily focusing on the conservation, sustainable use, and documentation of biodiversity within their jurisdiction, and are not the apex regulatory bodies. This is a functional swap of roles between the national and local bodies.
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Q125.With reference to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, consider the following statements: 1. The Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure requires the Party of import to formally notify the Party of export before the first shipment of a Living Modified Organism (LMO). 2. The protocol establishes procedures for LMOs intended for direct introduction into the environment, but excludes those intended for food, feed, or processing. 3. Shipments of LMOs across borders must be accompanied by documentation that identifies the organism and specifies requirements for its safe handling and transport. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The process is inverted. Under the Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure, the country intending to *export* an LMO must notify the Party of *import* before the first proposed export, not the other way around. Statement 2 is incorrect. The protocol has two main sets of procedures: one for LMOs for direct introduction into the environment (AIA procedure) and another for LMOs intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing (LMOs-FFP). Statement 3 is correct. The Protocol requires that LMOs being shipped are handled, packaged, and transported safely, accompanied by documentation that clearly identifies the LMOs and provides safe handling details.
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Q126.Consider the following statements regarding the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing: 1. It provides a transparent legal framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. 2. It addresses traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, requiring Parties to ensure prior informed consent from indigenous and local communities. 3. Compliance with the protocol relies on voluntary measures, as it does not establish specific obligations for Parties to monitor the utilization of genetic resources. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The primary objective of the Nagoya Protocol is to provide a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of the third objective of the CBD, which is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits. Statement 2 is correct. The protocol explicitly includes provisions for traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, obligating Parties to take measures to ensure prior informed consent and fair benefit-sharing with indigenous and local communities. Statement 3 is incorrect. This is a significant innovation of the protocol. It establishes specific compliance obligations, requiring Parties to take measures to monitor the utilization of genetic resources, including by designating effective checkpoints along the value chain.
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Q127.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which established a three-tier structure to regulate access to its biological resources. Statement-II: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding international treaty that requires signatory nations to develop national strategies for biodiversity conservation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, provides for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in India and establishes a three-tier structure: the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). Statement-II is correct. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding multilateral treaty. One of its key provisions is that it obligates Parties to develop national strategies, plans, or programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Statement-II provides the international legal impetus for the domestic legislation mentioned in Statement-I, as India enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to meet its obligations under the CBD. Therefore, Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
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Q128.Consider the following pairs: Protocol : Primary Focus 1. Cartagena Protocol : Liability and redress for damage resulting from Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). 2. Nagoya Protocol : Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. 3. Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol : Procedures for regulating the transboundary movement of LMOs. How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The primary focus of the Cartagena Protocol is the safe transfer, handling, and use of LMOs resulting from modern biotechnology. Liability and redress for damage from LMOs is the primary focus of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The Nagoya Protocol's main objective is to provide a legal framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The primary focus of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol is on liability and redress. The procedures for regulating the transboundary movement of LMOs are the core of the Cartagena Protocol. The functions of Protocol 1 and 3 have been swapped. Therefore, only one pair is correctly matched.
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Q129.With reference to the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), consider the following statements: 1. It was established as a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). 2. It adopted the first-ever legally binding international instrument dedicated to sustainable forest management. 3. One of its Global Objectives is to reverse the decline in official development assistance for sustainable forest management. How many of the above statements are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The UNFF was established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in October 2000 as a subsidiary body. Statement 2 is incorrect. The UNFF adopted the Non-Legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests (NIBI). It is explicitly voluntary and not legally binding. Statement 3 is correct. The fourth shared Global Objective on Forests is to 'Reverse the decline in official development assistance for sustainable forest management'.
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Q130.Consider the following statements regarding international forest governance: Statement-I: The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) provides a platform for policy dialogue to promote the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests. Statement-II: The UNFF is a specialized agency of the United Nations, possessing an independent mandate and budget similar to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The main objective of the UNFF is to promote 'the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests'. Statement-II is incorrect. The UNFF is not a specialized agency; it is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and part of the UN Secretariat. Specialized agencies like FAO have separate constitutions and budgets.
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Q131.Consider the following pairs: 1. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) : Intergovernmental body concerned with both trade and sustainable management of tropical forests. 2. Global Objectives on Forests : Aims to increase the proportion of forest products from sustainably managed forests. 3. Non-legally Binding Instrument (NIBI) : Adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF). How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Explanation: Pair 1 is correctly matched. The ITTO is an intergovernmental organization concerned with the trade of tropical timber and the sustainable management of tropical forest resources. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The third Global Objective on Forests is to 'increase significantly the area of sustainably managed forests... and increase the proportion of forest products derived from sustainably managed forests'. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The Non-legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests was adopted by the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) at its seventh session in 2007, not by the IPF, which was a precursor body.
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Current AffairsHard

Q132.With reference to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), consider the following statements: 1. It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. 2. It defines 'desertification' as the physical expansion of existing deserts into arid and semi-arid regions. 3. The convention is primarily committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging local participation in combating land degradation. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The UNCCD is explicitly identified as the sole legally binding international agreement that connects environmental concerns and development with the goal of sustainable land management. Statement 2 is incorrect. The UNCCD defines 'desertification' as land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors; it does not refer to the physical expansion of deserts. Statement 3 is correct. The convention emphasizes a bottom-up approach, promoting the active involvement of local populations in efforts to combat desertification and land degradation. Therefore, only two statements are correct.
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Current AffairsHard

Q133.Consider the following statements regarding international efforts related to land management: 1. The inclusion of land tenure as a new thematic area under the UNCCD acknowledges its role in addressing land degradation. 2. The 'Great Green Wall Initiative' is an Africa-led project focused on restoring degraded land and creating green jobs. 3. The 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)' is a flagship program directly administered by the UNCCD Secretariat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD agreed to include land tenure as a new thematic area, recognizing its significance. Statement 2 is correct. The Great Green Wall is an Africa-led initiative with the goal of restoring 100 million hectares of land and creating 10 million jobs by 2030. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme is an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, not the UNCCD.
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Current AffairsHard

Q134.Examine the following statements: Statement-I: International conventions increasingly recognize desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD) as a significant driver of human migration. Statement-II: The long-term loss of ecosystem function and productivity from land degradation enhances livelihood security, thereby reducing the impetus for migration. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Explanation: Statement-I is correct. The UNCCD COP has approved policy frameworks addressing DLDD as a driver for migration, indicating international recognition of this link. Statement-II is incorrect. Land degradation involves the loss of ecosystem function and productivity. This loss undermines agricultural output and livelihood security, which in turn often increases, rather than reduces, the pressure for people to migrate in search of better opportunities. The statement inverts the actual causal relationship.
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