The nationwide monitoring program for endangered species aims to collect real-time data on population status, habitat conditions, and threats. Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of such a program?
A To assess the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
B To identify new species for commercial exploitation.
C To detect and respond to emerging threats to species.
D To inform policy decisions for species protection.
Answer: B
The primary objective of a monitoring program for endangered species is conservation, not commercial exploitation. Identifying new species for commercial exploitation would contradict the goals of protecting endangered populations.
12.
In 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched a nationwide monitoring program for endangered species. Which organization is primarily responsible for implementing this program?
A Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
B Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
C Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
D National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Answer: C
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, is a nodal institution for wildlife research and conservation in India and is primarily responsible for implementing such nationwide monitoring programs for endangered species.
13.
India's commitment to strengthening its global biodiversity framework involves various national initiatives. Which of the following is a significant national program related to biodiversity conservation in India?
A National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS)
B Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
C National Mission for a Green India (GIM)
D Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Answer: C
The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims to improve forest and tree cover, enhance ecosystem services, and increase carbon sinks, which are crucial for biodiversity conservation.
14.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in December 2022, sets out 23 targets for urgent action by 2030. Which of the following is a key target under this framework?
A To reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
B To protect at least 30% of the planet's land and oceans by 2030 (Target 3).
C To achieve zero hunger by 2030.
D To ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.
Answer: B
Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to 'Ensure that all areas are under effective planning or management for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, so that degradation of natural habitats is halted and reduced, and that ecosystems are restored, with at least 30 per cent of land and sea areas conserved by 2030.'
15.
Which international convention, to which India is a party, aims to conserve biological diversity, use its components sustainably, and share the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources equitably?
A United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
B Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
C Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
D Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Answer: B
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the international treaty that aims to conserve biological diversity, use its components sustainably, and share the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources equitably. India is a party to this convention.
16.
Saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers is a significant climate change impact observed in many coastal regions of India. What is the primary cause of this phenomenon?
A Excessive rainfall leading to groundwater recharge
B Increased use of surface water for irrigation
C Sea-level rise and over-extraction of groundwater
D Decreased agricultural activity in coastal areas
Answer: C
Sea-level rise pushes the saltwater wedge further inland, while over-extraction of freshwater from coastal aquifers reduces the hydrostatic pressure that naturally prevents saltwater intrusion, exacerbating the problem.
17.
India's Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project, supported by the World Bank, primarily aims to achieve which of the following?
A Promote offshore oil and gas exploration
B Develop exclusive tourism zones along the coast
C Enhance conservation and protection of coastal and marine resources, while also improving livelihoods of coastal communities
D Facilitate large-scale industrial development in coastal areas
Answer: C
The ICZM Project adopts a holistic approach to manage coastal zones, focusing on balancing environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable development of coastal communities' livelihoods.
18.
Which of the following is considered a 'soft' adaptation strategy for coastal regions facing climate change impacts like sea-level rise and storm surges?
A Construction of large seawalls
B Building concrete breakwaters
C Mangrove restoration and afforestation
D Relocation of entire coastal settlements
Answer: C
Mangrove restoration and afforestation are 'soft' adaptation strategies that use natural ecosystems to protect coastlines, absorb storm energy, and reduce erosion. Seawalls and breakwaters are 'hard' engineering solutions, while relocation is a drastic measure.
19.
The concept of 'Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs)' is gaining prominence globally and in India. Which of the following best describes an OECM?
A An area exclusively designated for industrial development
B A geographically defined area, not necessarily a Protected Area, which achieves positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity
C An area where all human activities are strictly prohibited
D A zone dedicated solely to agricultural expansion
Answer: B
OECMs are areas that are not formally designated as Protected Areas but are managed in a way that achieves effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity, often through the efforts of local communities, indigenous peoples, or private landowners.
20.
Which of the following categories of Protected Areas in India is established by a State Government notification and allows for some human activities, including sustainable resource extraction by local communities, unlike National Parks?
A National Park
B Wildlife Sanctuary
C Conservation Reserve
D Community Reserve
Answer: B
While National Parks have stricter regulations, Wildlife Sanctuaries, notified by State Governments, allow for certain human activities and sustainable resource extraction by local communities, provided they do not harm wildlife.
