Environmental Governance & Legislation

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct ? 1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. 2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. Select the answer using the code given below :

1. (a)1, 2 and 3
2. (b)1 and 3 only
3. (c)2 only
4. (d)3 only

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Statement-II : The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

1. (a)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. (b)Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. (c)Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
4. (d)Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

No answer is recorded for this question: cancelled by UPSC — marks awarded to all candidates

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol. 2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 only
3. (c)Both 1 and 2
4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ?

1. (a)Central Water Commission
2. (b)Central Ground Water Board
3. (c)Central Ground Water Authority
4. (d)National Water Development Agency

Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing” ?

1. (a)Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound
2. (b)Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country
3. (c)Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development
4. (d)Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme

With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements : 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. (a)1 and 2
2. (b)2 only
3. (c)1 and 3
4. (d)3 only

With reference to the ‘New York Declaration on Forests’, which of the following statements are correct? 1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014. 2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests. 3. It is a legally binding international declaration. 4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities. 5. India was one of the signatories at its inception. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. (a)1, 2 and 4
2. (b)1, 3 and 5
3. (c)3 and 4
4. (d)2 and 5

At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?

1. (a)Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
2. (b)Ministry of Panchayati Raj
3. (c)Ministry of Rural Development
4. (d)Ministry of Tribal Affairs

If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication ?

1. (a)A licence is required to cultivate that plant.
2. (b)Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
3. (c)It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
4. (d)Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.

Consider the following statements : The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to 1. state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought 2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 only
3. (c)Both 1 and 2
4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements : 1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels. 2. People’s participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 only
3. (c)Both 1 and 2
4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government. 2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 only
3. (c)Both 1 and 2
4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements : 1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006. 2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights. 3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. (a)1 and 2 only
2. (b)2 and 3 only
3. (c)3 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3

According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law ? 1. Gharial 2. Indian wild ass 3. Wild buffalo Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 and 3 only
3. (c)1 and 3 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ?

1. (a)It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
2. (b)It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
3. (c)It is endemic to a particular region of India.
4. (d)Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

With reference to an initiative called 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum. 2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity. 3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. (a)1 and 2 only
2. (b)3 only
3. (c)2 and 3 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

1. (a)Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
2. (b)Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
3. (c)Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
4. (d)Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements : 1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. 2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. 3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. (a)1 and 3 only
2. (b)2 only
3. (c)2 and 3 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3

With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 only
3. (c)Both 1 and 2
4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements : 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. 3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 and 3 only
3. (c)2 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3

How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture? 1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources. 2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants. 3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 and 3 only
3. (c)1 and 3 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India? 1. Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Article 21 2. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1) 3. Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A) Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

1. (a)1 only
2. (b)2 and 3 only
3. (c)1 and 3 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3

In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

1. (a)Biosphere Reserves
2. (b)National Parks
3. (c)Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
4. (d)Wildlife Sanctuaries

With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts: 1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957 3. Customs Act, 1962 4. Indian Forest Act, 1927 Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country?

1. (a)1 and 3 only
2. (b)2, 3 and 4 only
3. (c)1, 2, 3 and 4
4. (d)None of the above Acts

Sustainable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts ?

1. (a)Social justice and empowerment
2. (b)Inclusive Growth
3. (c)Globalization
4. (d)Carrying capacity