Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect.Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the country.
• Statement 2 is correct:

It does the following functions.

• Establishes a centralized wildlife crime data bank;
• Coordinate actions by various agencies in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of the Act;
• Assists foreign authorities and international organization concerned to facilitate coordination and universal action for wildlife crime control;
• Capacity building of the wildlife crime enforcement agencies for scientific and professional investigation into wildlife crimes and assist State Governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes;
• Advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, relevant policy and laws.

Explanation:

• The Bonn Convention, also known as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), is a UN environmental treaty aimed at the conservation of terrestrial, aquatic, and avian migratory species across their range.
• It brings together Range States (countries through which these species migrate) and provides legal frameworks for their conservation.
• Appendix I of the CMS lists species that are threatened with extinction, requiring strict protection measures.

Explanation:

• MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) is the primary international convention addressing marine pollution caused by ships.
• It was adopted in 1973 under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with additional 1978 protocols after tanker accidents.
• The six annexes of MARPOL regulate oil spills, hazardous substances, sewage disposal, and air pollution from ships.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Unified Coastal Areas Management Programme (UCAMP) is designed to improve the health of coastal ecosystems by addressing pollution, waste management, and conservation along Indian beaches and coastal waters.
• Statement 2 is correct: The programme also promotes ecological tourism, ensuring sustainable development of tourist infrastructure without harming the coastal environment.

Explanation

• The international wildlife trade is diverse, ranging from live animals and plants to a vast array of wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, wooden musical instruments, timber and medicines
• Human activities in several parts of the world have disturbed the natural habitats of many species. Due to indiscriminate killings, several birds and animals have either become extinct or are on the verge of extinction
•  Due to this, an international convention CITES has been established that lists several species of animals and birds in which trade is prohibited. Today, it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 37,000 species of animals and plants
• Statement 1 is incorrect: CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. (It is not a consensus among Governments and Civil society organisation)
• Statement 2 is correct:  Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties (in other words they have to implement the Convention), it does not take the place of national laws. Rather it provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which has to adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level
• Statement 3 is incorrect: It aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• It does not aims to conserve only those species which are declared ‘endangered’ under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list
• Rather it has listed species in three CITES Appendices. The species are grouped in the Appendices according to the level of threat faced by them due to international trade
•  Roughly 5,000 species of animals and 28,000 species of plants are protected. Bears, dolphins, cacti, corals and orchids are some examples.

Explanation:

• Eco-Mark is a government labelling scheme in India that certifies environmentally friendly products meeting specific environmental and quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• The objective is to recognize and promote products that have a low environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
• Products under this scheme meet environmental criteria while maintaining quality standards, and the label helps consumers identify sustainable products.
• The initiative raises awareness and encourages industries to adopt sustainable production practices.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

• • The National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) was established in the Finance Bill 2010-11 to fund research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in clean energy technology.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

• • NCEF funding is not automatically available for all renewable energy projects.
  • Instead, it is specifically aimed at innovative projects and research that contribute to clean energy advancements, rather than general funding for all renewable energy projects like wind or hydroelectric power.

Statement 3 is correct:

• • The government assistance under NCEF is capped at 40% of the total project cost, ensuring that projects receive partial funding while promoting private investment.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

• • One of the key reasons behind the National Mission for Electric Mobility (NCEM) is the fast depletion of petroleum resources in India, which makes the shift to electric mobility a strategic necessity.

Statement 2 is correct:

• • Vehicle emissions significantly contribute to air pollution and climate change. The government launched NCEM to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a cleaner environment.

Statement 3 is correct:

• • The automobile industry worldwide is transitioning towards electric vehicles and alternative fuel technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. NCEM aims to align India’s EV industry with global trends

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

• • The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • Its objectives include conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
  • India ratified the CBD in 1994 and subsequently enacted the Biological Diversity Act (2002).

Statement 2 is incorrect:

• • The Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB) is NOT a part of the CBD.
  • It was launched in 1970 by UNESCO as a broad-based ecological programme to promote sustainable use and conservation of natural resources.

Statement 3 is correct:

• • The Indian National Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee identifies and recommends potential sites for Biosphere Reserves based on UNESCO’s guidelines and criteria.
  • Biosphere Reserves aim to conserve biodiversity while supporting sustainable human development.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

• • The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a statutory advisory body under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
  • It promotes animal welfare, provides financial aid to shelters, and advises the government on animal welfare laws.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

• • AWBI’s headquarters is located in Chennai.
  • It was set up in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Statement 3 is correct:

• • AWBI advises the government on the design and maintenance of slaughterhouses to minimize animal suffering.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

• • UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, making it one of only two UN programmes based in a developing country (the other being UN-HABITAT).

Statement 2 is incorrect:

• • The State of the World’s Forests Report is not published by UNEP. It is published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
  • UNEP, however, publishes the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO), a major environmental assessment report.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct:
  • The CMS (Bonn Convention) is a global environmental treaty under UNEP that focuses on conserving migratory species and their habitats.
  • It lays a legal foundation for coordinated international conservation efforts across migratory ranges.
• Statement 2 is incorrect:
  • India is a party to CMS and has been a member since 1983.
  • India has signed non-legally binding MoUs with CMS for the conservation of species like Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008), and Raptors (2016).

Explanation:

Pair 1 (Stockholm Convention – Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides) is Incorrect:

• • The Stockholm Convention is an international environmental treaty adopted in 2001 and enforced from 2004.
  • Its primary goal is to eliminate or restrict Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in human and animal tissue.
  • POPs include DDT, dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Pair 2 (Bonn Convention – Migratory Species) is Correct:

• • The Bonn Convention, officially called the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), was signed in 1979 and came into force in 1983.
  • It aims to conserve migratory species across their range by facilitating international cooperation.
  • It covers terrestrial, marine, and avian species that migrate across borders and need coordinated conservation efforts.

Pair 3 (Vienna Convention – Consular Relations) is Correct:

• • The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963) is an international treaty that defines a legal framework for consular relations between independent states.
  • It establishes rights and responsibilities for consular officials, including protecting the interests of their nationals and furthering diplomatic relations between countries.

Explanation:

Both the statements are correct.

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• It was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. It also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The mandate of the CPCB is to set environmental standards in India, lay down ambient standards and coordinate the activities of State Pollution Control Boards.
• Central Pollution Control Board along with State Pollution Control Boards has been operating National Air Monitoring Program (NAMP) in the country.

Explanation:

• The Living Planet Report is a biennial publication released by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
• It assesses biodiversity trends, ecological footprints, and environmental pressures on terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.
• The report uses the Living Planet Index (LPI) to measure global biodiversity by tracking population trends of vertebrate species.
• According to the 2022 edition, wildlife populations have declined by nearly 69% since 1970, mainly due to climate change, habitat loss, and human activities.
• The report also highlights overconsumption of natural resources, deforestation, and carbon emissions as major contributors to environmental degradation.
• It serves as a critical global indicator of ecosystem health and informs policymakers on sustainable conservation strategies.

Explanation:

• Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment. The park was the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative.The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics. An ecotourism destination.

Project Tiger

• Aims at conserving India’s national animal i.e. Tiger.It was launched in 1973.
• The tiger reserves are constituted on a core/buffer strategy.
• The core areas have the legal status of a national park or a sanctuary, whereas the buffer or peripheral areas are a mix of forest and non-forest land, managed as a multiple use area.
• The Project Tiger aims to foster an exclusive tiger agenda in the core areas of tiger reserves, with an inclusive people oriented agenda in the buffer.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change providing central assistance to the tiger States for tiger conservation in designated tiger reserves.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body of the Ministry, with an overarching supervisory / coordination role, performing functions as provided in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is the body of the government of India responsible for oversight of zoos.
• The Central Zoo Authority has been constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. The Authority consists of a Chairman, ten members and a Member Secretary.
• The main objective of the authority is to complement the national effort in conservation of wildlife. Standards and norms for housing, upkeep, health care and overall management of animals in zoos has been laid down under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992.
• Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the Authority for its operation. The Authority evaluates the zoos with reference to the parameters prescribed under the Rules and grants recognition accordingly.
• Zoos which have no potential to come up to the prescribed standards and norms may be refused recognition and asked to close down.
• Statement 2 is correct. Yes, but Every Zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the authority for its operation.

Form of recognition according to Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009.

(1) The Central Zoo Authority may, on being satisfied with regard to sufficiency of facilities and standards in the zoo, grant recognition to such zoo.

(2) The recognition granted to a zoo under sub-rule (1) shall be subject to the following conditions, namely;

(a) that the recognition unless granted on a permanent basis, shall be for such period not less than one year as may be specified in the recognition.

(b) that the zoo shall comply with such standards and norms as are, or may be specified or imposed, by or under the provisions of the Act or the rules made thereunder; and

(c) the zoo shall comply with the directions and guidelines issued by the Central Zoo Authority from time to time, for the purpose of maintenance and upkeep of the zoo.

Explanation:

• The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was constituted in February 2009 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• It functions as a planning, financing, monitoring, and coordinating body for the conservation of the Ganga River.
• It ensures effective abatement of pollution and sustainable management of the river basin.
• It has both regulatory and developmental functions, including minimum ecological flow maintenance, pollution control, and floodplain protection.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:

• • Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a non-governmental organization (NGO), not a governmental organization.
  • It was founded in 1998 and is dedicated to wildlife conservation in India.
  • WTI operates independently, though it collaborates with government agencies for conservation projects.

Statement 2 is correct:

• • WTI works closely with communities, conservationists, and government bodies to tackle wildlife crime, habitat destruction, and species rehabilitation.
  • It plays a crucial role in anti-poaching efforts, wildlife rescue, and conservation advocacy.

Key projects of WTI include:

• • • Rehabilitation of elephants
    • Protection of tigers
    • Prevention of illegal wildlife trade

Explanation:

• The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It led to the adoption of several key documents and agreements.
• Key Non-Binding Documents Adopted:
  1. Rio Declaration on Environment and Development – A set of 27 principles defining the rights and responsibilities of states regarding sustainable development.
  2. Agenda 21 – A comprehensive action plan for global, national, and local levels to promote sustainable development.
  3. Forest Principles – A non-legally binding document providing guidelines for sustainable forest management.
• Legally Binding Agreements Adopted:
  4. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Aims at conserving biodiversity, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
  5. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Aims at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent harmful climate change. It later led to the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and Paris Agreement (2015).

Explanation:

• TRAFFIC (Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce) is a joint conservation initiative of WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
• It was established in 1976 by the Species Survival Commission of IUCN to support the enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• It is the largest global organization monitoring illegal wildlife trade and works closely with governments, enforcement agencies, and CITES Secretariat.
• TRAFFIC operates internationally, with its headquarters in Cambridge, UK, and regional offices across five continents.
• Its mission is to combat illegal wildlife trade and promote sustainable practices to prevent species exploitation.

Explanation:

Appendix I: (Correctly matched)

• • Includes species threatened with extinction and provides the highest level of protection, prohibiting commercial trade.
  • Examples: Gorillas, sea turtles, giant pandas, and most lady slipper orchids.

Appendix II: (Correctly matched)

• • Includes species that are not yet threatened with extinction but may become so without trade regulation.
  • Also includes species that resemble other listed species to prevent illegal trade under false pretenses.
  • Examples: Various plant and animal species requiring trade monitoring.

Appendix III: (Correctly matched)

• • Includes species for which a specific range country has requested international cooperation to control trade.
  • Examples: Map turtles, walruses, and Cape stag beetles.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: CAWT is a voluntary global initiative started in 2005 as a public-private coalition involving governments, NGOs, and other organizations that work together to end illegal wildlife trade. It focuses on strengthening law enforcement, reducing consumer demand, and generating high-level political support for tackling wildlife trafficking.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: CAWT is not an enforcement agency and does not conduct raids or law enforcement activities. Instead, it supports government agencies and organizations like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) by providing technical expertise, policy advocacy, and awareness campaigns.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: ITTO was established in 1986 as an intergovernmental organization under UN guidelines. It works to promote sustainable forest management and responsible trade in tropical timber while ensuring environmental sustainability. ITTO represents over 80% of the world’s tropical forests and 90% of the global tropical timber trade.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: ITTO does not focus only on conservation; rather, it balances environmental conservation with responsible trade and economic activities. It develops policy guidelines for sustainable forest management, provides funding for projects, and facilitates trade discussions.

Explanation:

• The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) was established in 2000 under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• It is a global intergovernmental policy forum focused on sustainable management, conservation, and development of all types of forests.
• Unlike specialized agencies like UNEP or UNFCCC, UNFF has universal membership, meaning all UN member states can participate.
• The UNFF’s main goal is to coordinate international efforts, policies, and programs related to forest conservation and sustainable management.
• It promotes collaboration with regional and international organizations to strengthen global forest governance.

Explanation:

IUCN

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organizations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organizations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

What does it do ?

• Science  – the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• Action – hundreds of conservation projects all over the world.
• Influence – through the collective strength of more than 1,200 government and non-governmental Member organizations.

IUCN Red data list Classifications

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively dedicated to the conservation of the five subspecies of tigers. These five subspecies include Bengal tiger, Indochinese tiger, Malayan tiger, Siberian tiger, and South China tiger. The organization works across 14 tiger range countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, China, Cambodia, Russia, and North Korea.
• Statement 2 is correct: The primary goal of GTF is to foster international cooperation among these tiger range countries to ensure tiger conservation, habitat protection, and restoration of prey species. GTF promotes policies and legal frameworks to combat poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction.

Explanation:

• The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol was introduced to phase out Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which, though not ozone-depleting, are potent greenhouse gases. The amendment aims to reduce HFC emissions by 85% by 2045.

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. GEF is multilateral financial mechanism that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
  It was set up as a fund under World Bank in 1991
  In 1992, at the Rio Earth Summit, the GEF was restructured and moved out of the World Bank system to become a permanent, separate institution.GEF serves as financial mechanism for :
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
• Minamata Convention on Mercury.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. It is a financial mechanism.