UPSC Prelims 2017 Analysis

Explanation

M-STRIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status. It's a software-based program launched by the Indian government's National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to -Strengthen protection efforts for Bengal tigers in Indian tiger reserves. -Enhance monitoring and patrolling activities by forest guards.

Explanation

In 1972, the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WPA) was enacted for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants. It was made to prevent hunting and also to control trade in wildlife products. Wildlife laws divide species into schedules ranked from I to V. Section 9 of WPA prohibits hunting of any wild animal specified in Schedules 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Tiger is listed in Schedule I of the act. So if a species is listed in Schedule I of the act, It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

Note The Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972 underwent amendments in 2022 which impacted the scheduling of wild animals. Previously, there were six schedules. The amendment streamlined them into four schedules.

Explanation

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is a protected area and Tiger Reserve along the Western Ghats in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Largest among the four tiger reserves (Kalakad-Mundanthurai, Annamalai, Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam) in Tamil Nadu, STR is a significant wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve between the Western Ghats and the rest of the Eastern Ghats, serving as a genetic link to contiguous protected areas including the Billigiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park.

Explanation

TRAFFIC is a joint initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).TRAFFIC is not a bureau under UNEP. So, statement 1 is incorrect.

TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) that works globally to monitor the trade in wild animals and plants. Its mission aligns with ensuring sustainable and legal wildlife trade that doesn't threaten conservation efforts. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

The best place to see Gharials in their natural habitat is the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is a tri-state protected area in northern India spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the dedicated sanctuaries for Gharials, the critically endangered fish-eating crocodiles.

Explanation

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants was launched by a joint effort of

1. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
2. Six countries Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is not a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries. While some G20 members were involved in its launch, the CCAC has grown into a broader coalition that includes over 160 governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

The CCAC's primary focus is indeed on reducing emissions of potent short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). These include Methane (CH4), Black Carbon (BC) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). So, statement 2 is correct.

Explanation

Bioremediation is a technique that utilizes living organisms, primarily microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, to remove or neutralize contaminants from polluted environments. It essentially harnesses and accelerates natural biodegradation processes for environmental cleanup.

Statement 1 (correct) This accurately describes a key advantage of bioremediation. It leverages and accelerates natural biodegradation processes by introducing suitable microorganisms or optimizing environmental conditions.

Statement 2 (incorrect) Bioremediation can be effective for many contaminants but not all. Heavy metals like cadmium and lead are often not readily broken down or removed completely. They might be transformed or immobilized, but not necessarily eliminated.

Statement 3 (correct) Genetic engineering offers a promising approach for developing microorganisms with enhanced capabilities for bioremediation. These engineered microbes can target specific pollutants or work more efficiently in challenging environments.

Explanation

Statement 1 (correct) The Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) is indeed an initiative launched by the European Union.

Statement 2 (correct) A core objective of the GCCA is to provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change. This support helps them integrate climate change considerations into their development strategies and budgets.

Statement 3 (incorrect) The GCCA is coordinated by the European Commission's established channels for political dialogue and cooperation, not by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Explanation

Reduced or zero tillage of the land This practice minimizes soil disturbance, promoting better water retention. Less disturbed soil creates a more compact surface that reduces evaporation and allows rainwater to infiltrate deeper into the ground.

Applying gypsum before irrigating the field Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is a soil amendment that can improve soil structure and drainage in some situations. However, it doesn't directly conserve water. In some cases, excessive gypsum application might even increase the leaching of nutrients and salts. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.

Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Leaving crop residue on the soil surface acts like a mulch. This mulch helps suppress weeds, reduces soil erosion, and minimizes water evaporation from the soil surface.

Explanation

Pollination affected (correct) Butterflies are important pollinators for many flowering plants. A significant decline in their population could lead to reduced pollination success for these plants. This could impact fruit and seed production and potentially disrupt plant communities that rely on butterfly pollination.

Fungal infections (incorrect) While some butterfly species might feed on specific fungi, a decline in butterfly populations wouldn't necessarily lead to a drastic increase in fungal infections on cultivated plants. Other factors like weather conditions and fungicide use play a more significant role in fungal diseases.

Predators affected (correct) Butterflies are a food source for various predators, including wasps, spiders, and birds. A sharp decline in butterfly numbers could negatively affect the populations of these predators who rely on them for sustenance. The ecological balance within the food web might be disrupted.

Explanation

All three options (1, 2, and 3) can be potential sites for carbon sequestration

Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams These underground coal mines already have existing rock formations suitable for storing carbon dioxide. Since they are no longer operational, they can be repurposed for CO2 storage, potentially with the added benefit of enhancing methane capture from abandoned mines.

Depleted oil and gas reservoirs Once oil and gas reserves are depleted, they still have porous rock structures that can trap injected carbon dioxide. Repurposing these reservoirs for carbon storage leverages existing infrastructure and reduces the need for drilling new wells.

Subterranean deep saline formations Deep saline formations are layers of rock saturated with briny water, far below freshwater resources. Their geological properties allow for the storage of large volumes of carbon dioxide with minimal risk of leakage or contamination of freshwater sources.

Explanation

Gharial Listed in Schedule I of the Act. Schedule I includes species with the highest protection, prohibiting hunting entirely except under exceptional circumstances like disease control or to prevent human attacks. Therefore, hunting Gharial is illegal.

Indian wild ass Listed in Schedule I of the Act. Similar to Gharial, hunting the Indian wild ass is also prohibited.

Wild Buffalo listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. So, Wild Buffalo cannot be hunted.

Note The Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972 underwent amendments in 2022 which impacted the scheduling of wild animals. Previously, there were six schedules. The amendment streamlined them into four schedules.

Explanation

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for assessing the quality of water.

Microbial activity BOD measures the amount of dissolved oxygen used by microorganisms (like bacteria) as they decompose organic matter in water.

Pollution indicator Higher BOD indicates a greater presence of organic matter, often suggesting pollution from sources like sewage, animal waste, or decaying plants.

Aquatic life impact Excessive organic matter decomposition can deplete oxygen levels in water, harming aquatic life that depends on dissolved oxygen for survival.

Therefore, BOD serves as a valuable tool for monitoring water quality and identifying potential pollution issues.