Environment and Sustainable Development

21. What is/are the importance/importances of the United Nations Conventio

What is/are the importance/importances of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification?

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  • 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
  • 2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.
  • 3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

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1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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UPSC IAS – 2016
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The correct answer is C) 1 and 3 only. Statements 1 and 3 correctly describe aspects of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), while statement 2 is inaccurate regarding its specific focus and resource allocation.
– The UNCCD is a global convention that addresses desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD). It promotes integrated approaches to land management.
– Statement 1 is correct: The convention aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
– Statement 3 is correct: The UNCCD emphasizes a bottom-up approach, recognizing the crucial role of local communities and their participation in combating desertification.
– Statement 2 is incorrect: While desertification affects South Asia and North Africa, the UNCCD’s focus is global, particularly on affected areas in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Northern Mediterranean, and Central and Eastern Europe. The Secretariat facilitates resource mobilization but does not have a specific mandate to allocate a major portion *solely* to South Asia and North Africa.
The UNCCD was adopted in 1994 and entered into force in 1996. It is one of the three Rio Conventions, along with the UNFCCC (Climate Change) and the CBD (Biodiversity). Its implementation is primarily through national action programmes.

22. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

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Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
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UPSC IAS – 2015
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The correct option is C.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted under the Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989. These rules were notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The GEAC is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of genetically engineered organisms and products in research and development, and for commercial release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella legislation for the protection and improvement of the environment. It provides the framework for environmental regulation in India, including dealing with hazardous substances and genetically modified organisms. The GEAC plays a crucial role in regulating genetically modified crops and other related activities in the country.

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23. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?

What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?

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It is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization
It is a Conference of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change
It is a Conference of the Member Countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity
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UPSC IAS – 2015
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The Rio+20 Conference, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012, was the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. It marked the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, which was also held in Rio de Janeiro.
– Rio+20 was a major international conference focused on sustainable development.
– It aimed to review progress since the original Earth Summit in 1992 and address current challenges.
– Key outcomes included the document “The Future We Want” and the decision to establish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The conference focused on two main themes: a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and the institutional framework for sustainable development. It reaffirmed global commitment to sustainable development.

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24. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?

  • 1. Terrace cultivation
  • 2. Deforestation
  • 3. Tropical climate

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1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The question asks which factors are associated with the problem of soil erosion in India.
1. Terrace cultivation: While terrace cultivation is a conservation practice used to reduce soil erosion on slopes, it is associated with *areas where* soil erosion is a problem (hilly and mountainous regions). If done improperly or not maintained, terraces can also fail and contribute to erosion. So, it is associated with the problem contextually and potentially operationally.
2. Deforestation: Removal of forest cover exposes the soil directly to the impact of rain and wind, significantly increasing the rate of soil erosion. Deforestation is a major cause of soil erosion in India, particularly in hilly and forest areas. This is strongly associated with the problem.
3. Tropical climate: Tropical climates often experience intense rainfall events (e.g., during monsoons). Heavy rainfall can cause significant splash erosion and surface runoff, leading to severe soil erosion, especially on unprotected land. The intensity of rainfall is a key factor in soil erosion processes. This is strongly associated with the problem.
Considering the options and the nature of soil erosion, deforestation and intense rainfall associated with tropical climate are direct causes/exacerbating factors. Terrace cultivation is a response practice in erosion-prone areas, and its presence indicates the existence of the problem. Therefore, all three can be considered associated with the problem of soil erosion in India in different ways.
– Deforestation is a major human-induced cause of soil erosion.
– Intense rainfall typical of tropical climates contributes significantly to soil erosion.
– Terrace cultivation is a farming practice used in hilly, erosion-prone areas, thus associated with the problem geographically.
Factors contributing to soil erosion include natural factors like rainfall intensity, wind, topography, and soil type, as well as human factors like deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agricultural practices (including improper tilling, lack of cover crops, and sometimes improper terrace cultivation), and construction activities. In India, deforestation, agricultural practices on slopes, and the intense monsoon rainfall are major contributors to soil erosion.

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25. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands Interna

With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
  • 2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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The correct answer is B.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Wetlands International is an international non-governmental organization (INGO), not an intergovernmental organization formed by Ramsar signatories. While it is a crucial partner of the Ramsar Convention and works closely with governments and other stakeholders, it is not constituted by countries. Statement 2 is correct. Wetlands International works globally and locally through offices and partners, engaging in research, monitoring, conservation projects, capacity building, and advocacy to promote the wise use and conservation of wetlands.
Wetlands International was founded in 1937 as the International Wildfowl & Wetlands Research Bureau. Its mission is to conserve and restore wetlands for their biodiversity and human livelihoods.

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26. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the followin

With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

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It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'
It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
Both (a) and (b)
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UPSC IAS – 2014
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The correct answer is A.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) serves as a financial mechanism for several key multilateral environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Statement A correctly identifies its role for the CBD and UNFCCC. Statement B is incorrect; while GEF funds projects that might involve scientific research, its primary role is financing environmental projects, not undertaking the research itself. Statement C is incorrect; the GEF is not an agency under the OECD; it is a partnership of 18 agencies, including UN bodies, multilateral development banks, and national agencies.
The GEF was established in 1992 on the eve of the Rio Earth Summit to help tackle the planet’s most pressing environmental problems. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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27. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the

With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:

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  • 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?

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1 and 3 only
2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is an independent non-governmental organization dedicated to nature conservation. It is not an autonomous body *under* any government ministry. It actively works to conserve nature through scientific research, education, and public awareness, including organizing nature trails and camps. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
BNHS is one of the oldest and largest conservation NGOs in India, founded in 1883. Its activities span a wide range of biodiversity research, conservation projects, and public education initiatives aimed at promoting nature appreciation and conservation. While it collaborates with government bodies and receives grants, it maintains its independent status.
Statement 1 is false as BNHS is a registered society/trust, not a government entity. Statement 2 accurately describes its core mission. Statement 3 highlights one of its key public engagement activities, well-known to anyone familiar with the organization.

28. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

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desert margins, liable to strong wind action
low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
None of the above
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The correct answer is D) None of the above.
Contour bunding is a soil conservation practice applied on gently sloping land. It involves constructing narrow-based bunds (embankments) along the contour lines. The purpose is to intercept and slow down water runoff, reduce soil erosion, and promote infiltration of water into the soil. This method is particularly effective in semi-arid areas for moisture conservation. The conditions described in options A, B, and C do not match the primary application of contour bunding. Option A describes desert margins prone to wind erosion. Option B describes low flat plains prone to flooding, where different flood control measures are used. Option C describes scrublands and weed growth, not directly addressed by contour bunding.
Contour bunding is typically implemented on agricultural fields, pastures, or other land with slopes ranging from around 2% to 10-15%. It is a key technique in watershed management and dryland farming to improve water retention and prevent loss of fertile topsoil due to water erosion.

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29. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct in respect of the ‘

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct in respect of the ‘ecoradicals’ ?

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  • 1. They believe that human societies on earth are moving dangerously closer to the limits of the earth’s carrying capacity
  • 2. They call for strict population control
  • 3. They stress for less consumption-oriented and waste-producing way of life

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1 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
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All three statements accurately reflect perspectives commonly associated with ecoradicals or radical environmentalists.
Ecoradicalism often involves a fundamental critique of industrial society, capitalism, and anthropocentrism (human-centeredness), arguing for drastic changes to address ecological crises. Beliefs often include: (1) The idea that human activities are exceeding ecological limits and threatening the planet’s carrying capacity; (2) Concerns about overpopulation as a major driver of environmental degradation, leading some to advocate for population control measures; and (3) A strong emphasis on reducing consumption and waste, promoting simpler, more sustainable lifestyles, and challenging consumer culture.
While the intensity and specific policy prescriptions may vary among individuals identifying as ecoradicals, the core concerns outlined in the statements are central to this school of thought. They differ from more mainstream environmentalism by often advocating for more fundamental societal changes and sometimes employing direct action.

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30. The National Green Tribunal, set up to deal with the expeditious dispo

The National Green Tribunal, set up to deal with the expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection, was set up under the

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12th Five-Year Plan
11th Five-Year Plan
10th Five-Year Plan
9th Five-Year Plan
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UPSC CAPF – 2018
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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in India by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The period covered by the 11th Five-Year Plan in India was from 2007 to 2012. Since the NGT Act was passed in 2010, its establishment falls within the duration of the 11th Five-Year Plan.
The key point is the year of establishment of the National Green Tribunal and the corresponding period of the Five-Year Plan. The NGT was established in 2010.
The National Green Tribunal is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. It aims for expeditious environmental justice. It is an important statutory body created to handle cases relating to environmental protection, conservation of forests and other natural resources.

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