United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification(UNCCD)

• Adopted in 1994 and entered into force in 1996 it is the only internationally legally binding framework set up to address the problem of desertification

• The Convention addresses specifically the arid semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas known as drylands.

• It released the first edition of Global Land Outlook report in Sept. 2017

• UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework has been launched to improve the condition of affected ecosystems combat desertification/land degradation and to improve the living conditions of affected populations.

2010 to 2020 has been declared as United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification.

Land Degradation Neutrality Fund (LDN Fund)was launched at the 13th Conference of the Parties (COP13) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in OrdosChina.

Statement 3 is not correct.

Amount of stomatal conductance will decrease resulting in a lower rate of transpiration.

Explanation

There will be an increase in the rate of photosynthesis, especially in C3 plants. Hence statement 1 is correct.

There will be greater root growth more mycorrhizal
development and increase in nitrogen fixation in root nodules so that plants
will grow more successfully in regions of water scarcity and nutrient-poor soils. Nitrogen-fixing plant species may respond more
positively to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations [CO2] than
other species because of their ability to maintain a high internal nutrient supply.

Hence statement 2 is correct.

Increased CO2 could also change species composition
by affecting plant reproductive processes competition plant-animal interactions and plant-microbe interactions.

Statement 1 is incorrect.

It has been prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE).

Explanation

National REDD+ Strategy

It has been prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE) Dehradun. It is one of the tools to further supplement India’s commitment to the 2015 Paris agreement. It will support the empowerment of youth cadres as community foresters to lead the charge at the local level. Under it, Green Skill Development Programme will be launched for imparting forestry-related specialised skills among the youth.

Statement 1 is incorrect.

The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Explanation

“National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS)” a Central Sector (CS) Grant-in-Aid Scheme with a vision to support the sustenance and enhancement of the ecological natural cultural and socioeconomic capital assets and values of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The Mission has been revamped recently and focussing on Demand Driven Action Research on the Thematic Areas-

(i) Water Management

(ii) Livelihood Options and Employment Generation

(iii) Biodiversity Conservation and Management and

(iv) Skill Development and Capacity Building.

Statement 1 is incorrect.

It is calculated by WWF and Global Footprint Network.

Explanation-

• It is the date when humanity annual demand on nature exceeds what Earth can regenerate over the entire year.

• It is calculated by WWF and Global Footprint Network. • It signifies that we have emitted more carbon than the oceans and forests can absorb in a year.

• In 2007 it fell on 15th August. 2018 Earth Overshoot Day will fall on August 1 the earliest date since ecological overshoot began in the early 1970s

Both statements are incorrect.

It is implemented by the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) directed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). India is not signatory to this convention.

Explanation

The Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution
often abbreviated as AirPollution or CLRTAP is intended to protect the human
environment against air pollution and to gradually reduce and prevent air pollution including long-range transboundary air pollution. It is implemented by the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) directed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

India is not signatory to this convention.

Statement 1 is incorrect.

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Dehradun has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Explanation

Prakriti programme

The main objective of Prakriti programme is to provide a platform for school children to learn practical skills towards sustainable use of resources. It also aims to promote awareness about forests and environment and stimulate interest among students of KVS and NVS in maintaining a balanced environment.

It also seeks to provide students with skills that reflect
care and protection towards forests environment and society.

Statement 2 is not correct.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with support from the Government of Norwayexplanattiono The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with support from the Government of Norway launched a coalition to promote the expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency in climate change mitigation efforts.

The ‗1 Gigaton Coalition‘ is so named because it is
that emission reductions from renewable energy and energy efficiency
efforts could deliver annual savings of 1 gigaton of carbon dioxide equivalent
(CO2e) per year by 2020. o These emission reductions, however, are currently underreported in most countries. In order to achieve target reductions there is a need for an expanded evidence base on the contribution of renewable energy and energy efficiency to emission reduction targets. To this end, the coalition will identify success stories and highlight their achievements in order to encourage broader uptake of such approaches. Participation in the coalition is open to government agencies and intergovernmental organizations as well as the private sector and civil society.

Statement 1 is incorrect.

It was developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Statement 2 is incorrect.

In order for a building to be considered ECBC-compliant it would need to demonstrate minimum energy
savings of 25%.

Explanation

Energy Conservation Building Code-2017

• It was developed by Bureau of EnergyEfficiency (Statutory body under Ministry of Power) with technical support from UnitedStates Agency for International Development(USAID) under US-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – DeploymentTechnical Assistance (PACE-DTA) Program.

• In order for a building to be considered ECBC-compliant it would need to demonstrate minimum energy savings of25%.

• Additional improvements in energy efficiency performance would achieve higher grades like ECBC Plus or Super ECBC status leading to further energy savings of 35% and50% respectively.

• They are voluntary in nature and have been accepted by 22 states with their own modifications to the codes.

Statement 1 and 2 are incorrect.

The MoEFCC and DRDO have launched a major national initiative for seabuckthorn cultivation in the high-altitude cold desert ecosystems.

The initiative is a part of Sub-Mission on Cold Desert
Ecosystems under the Green India Mission — which is a part of the National
Action Plan on Climate Change. explanation-National Mission on SeabuckthornSeabuckthorn plant is popularly known as Leh berries. The MoEFCC and DRDO have launched a major national
initiative for seabuckthorn cultivation in the high-altitude cold desert
ecosystems. The initiative is one of many conservation measures for
fragile high-altitude ecosystems. Seabuckthorn also called the “Wonder plant” and “Ladakh gold”. UsesIt has multi-purpose medicinal and nutritional properties and also helps in soil conservation and nitrogen fixation. Hardy drought-resistant and tolerant to extreme temperatures from – 43º C to + 40º C the plant has an extensive root system which can fix
atmospheric nitrogen making it ideal for controlling soil erosion and
preventing desertification. The initiative is a part of Sub-Mission on Cold Desert Ecosystems under the Green India Mission — which is a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Statement 4 is incorrect.

Explanation-

Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) 1. The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched during the 11th Plan period to provide technical and financial assistance to States/UTs for protection of wildlife habitat.

2. The activities covered under the scheme include the staff
development and capacity building wildlife research and evaluation
anti-poaching activities wildlife veterinary care addressing man-animal
conflicts and promoting eco-tourism.

3. Started in 2008-09 IDWH is meant for providing support to
protected areas (national parks wildlife sanctuaries conservation reserves and
community reserves except tiger reserves) protection of wildlife outside
protected areas and recovery programmes for saving critically endangered
species and habitats.

4. So far 17 species have been identified under the recovery
programme.

5. These are the Snow Leopard Bustard (including Floricans)
Dolphin Hangul Nilgiri Tahr Marine Turtles Dugongs Edible Nest Swiftlet Asian
Wild Buffalo Nicobar Megapode Manipur Brow-antlered Deer Vultures Malabar Civet Indian Rhinoceros Asiatic Lion Swamp Deer and Jerdon’s Courser

Statement 1 is incorrect.

The Global Peatlands Initiative is a multi-partner United Nations Environment Programme initiative.

Explanation

Cuvette Centrale region

· It is the world’s largest tropical peatlands in Congo Basin.· To protect the Cuvette Centrale region in the Congo Basin from unregulated land use and prevent its drainage and degradation the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the Republic of Congo and Indonesia have jointly signed the Brazzaville declaration that promotes better management and conservation of this globally important carbon store.

· The declaration was signed on the sidelines of the Third Partners Meeting of the Global Peatlands Initiative which took place in Brazzaville Republic of Congo. Peatlands:o Peatlands are wetlands that contain a mixture of
decomposed organic material partially submerged in a layer of water lacking
oxygen. o Peatlands are the worlds largest terrestrial organic
carbon stock storing twice as much carbon as forests.o They are home to a variety of species but their high
carbon content makes them uniquely vulnerable to incineration if they are
drained.o The unregulated exploitation of peatlands can potentially
be detrimental to the environment and to climate as it could release carbon
emissions that have been locked in for millennia.o The Cuvette Centrale region in Congo Basin is the world’s
largest natural tropical peatlands which are about the size of England. It stores
three years equivalent to global greenhouse gas emissions. · Global Peatlands Initiative:o The Global Peatlands Initiative is a multi-partner United
NationsEnvironment Programme initiative launched at the Global
LandscapesForum in Marrakesh in 2016.o The Global Peatlands Initiative is an effort by leading experts and institutions to save peatlands as the world’s largest terrestrial organic carbon stock and to prevent it from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Statement 1 is incorrect.

The IBA is a programme of BirdLife International.

Explanation

o The IBA programme of BirdLife International aims to
identify monitor and protect a global network of IBAs for the conservation of the worlds birds and other biodiversity.

o The IBAs are conservation areas of international
significance for the conservation of birds at the global regional or sub-regional level. The Bombay Natural History Society has identified 465 IBAs in India.

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Photochemical smog is also
known as “Los Angeles smog”.

Explanation-

Photochemical smog

Photochemical smog is also known as “Los Angeles smog”.

Photochemical smog occurs most prominently in urban areas
that have large numbers of automobiles (Nitrogen oxides are the primary
emissions). Photochemical (summer smog) forms when pollutants such as
nitrogen oxides (primary pollutant) and organic compounds (primary pollutants) react together in the presence of SUNLIGHT. A gas called OZONE (Secondary pollutant) is formed. Nitrogen Dioxide + Sunlight + Hydrocarbons = Ozone (Ozone in the stratosphere it is beneficial but near the earth’s surface it results in global warming as it is a greenhouse gas)The resulting smog causes a light brownish colouration of the atmosphere reduced visibility plant damage irritation of the eyes and respiratory distress.more on smog-Smog = smoke + fog (smoky fog) caused by the burning of large amounts of coal vehicular emission and industrial fumes (Primary pollutants). Smog contains soot particulates like smoke sulphur dioxide nitrogen dioxide and other components. Sulfurous smogSulfurous smog is also called “London smog” (first formed in London). Sulfurous smog results from a high concentration of SULFUR OXIDES in the air and is caused by the use of sulfur-bearing fossil fuels particularly coal (Coal was the mains source of power in London during the nineteenth century. The effects of coal-burning were observed in the early twentieth century). This type of smog is aggravated by dampness and a high concentration of suspended particulate matter in the air.

Statement 1 is incorrect.

Their surfaces act as catalysts which convert more benign forms of man-made chlorine into active free radicals (for example ClO chlorine monoxide).

Explanation

o PSC-Type I clouds are now known as sites of harmful destruction of stratospheric ozone over the Antarctic and Arctic. Their surfaces act as catalysts which convert more benign forms of man-made chlorine into active free radicals (for example ClO chlorine monoxide). During the return of spring sunlight, these radicals destroy many ozone molecules in a series of chain reactions. Cloud formation is doubly harmful because it also removes
gaseous nitric acid from the stratosphere which would otherwise combine with ClO to form less reactive forms of chlorine. Polar Stratospheric Clouds or nacreous clouds contain water nitric acid and/or sulfuric acid. They are formed mainly during the event of the polar vortex in winter; more intense at south pole. The Cl-catalyzed ozone depletion is dramatically enhanced in
the presence of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) [Finally this how polar
vortex leads to ozone depletion]Polar Stratospheric Clouds convert “reservoir” compounds into reactive free radicals (Cl and ClO). So Polar Stratospheric Clouds accelerate ozone depletion.

Statement 1 is incorrect.

The award is a joint initiative of Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)explanationIndia Biodiversity AwardsMinistry of Environment Forest and Climate Change in association with UNDP India started the India Biodiversity Awards in 2012 during India’s Presidency of the 11th Meeting of COP( Conference of Parties) to the
Convention on Biological Diversity. to recognize and honour outstanding models of biodiversity conservation sustainable use and governance at the grassroots level. The four categories of the India Biodiversity Awards are: Conservation of threatened species (both wild and domesticated)Sustainable use of biological resources Successful mechanisms/ models for access and benefit-sharing Biodiversity Management Committees

Statement 1 is incorrect.

Short-wavelength UVC (NOT UVA) is the most damaging type of UV radiation. However, it is completely filtered by the atmosphere and does not reach the earth’s surface.

Explanation-

o The ozone layer is present in the second layer of the atmosphere
Stratosphere. It absorbs ultraviolet radiations and infrared rays from the sun.
This leads to the heating of Stratosphere and causes temperature inversion it
prevents vertical mixing of pollutants from the troposphere to stratosphere. What is the difference between UVA UVB and UVC? The three types of UV radiation are classified according to
their wavelength. They differ in their biological activity and the extent to
which they can penetrate the skin. The shorter the wavelength the more harmful the UV radiation. However shorter wavelength UV radiation is less able to penetrate the skin. Short-wavelength UVC is the most damaging type of UV radiation. However, it is completely filtered by the atmosphere and does not reach the earth’s surface. Medium-wavelength UVB is very biologically active but cannot penetrate beyond the superficial skin layers. It is responsible for delayed tanning and burning; in addition to these short-term effects, it enhances skin ageing and significantly promotes the development of skin cancer. Most solar UVB is filtered by the atmosphere. The relatively long-wavelength UVA accounts for approximately 95 per cent of the UV radiation reaching the Earths surface. It can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and is responsible for the immediate tanning effect. Furthermore, it also contributes to skin ageing and wrinkling. For a long time, it was thought that UVA could not cause any lasting damage. Recent studies strongly suggest that it may also enhance the development of skin cancers.

EXPLANATION-

Statement 1 is correct:

Its objective is to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Departments of Forestry and Community Organisations to enhance forest ecosystem services and improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities in Central Indian Highlands. The project will improve forest quality land management and non-timber forest produce (NTFP) such as nuts mushrooms and game animals to benefit forest-dependent communities across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Statement 2 is correct:

Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) will implement the Ecosystem Service Improvement
Project in the States of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh through Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education under the National Mission for Green India.

Statement 3 is correct:

The size of the project is USD 24.64 million which entirely will be financed by the World Bank out of its GEF Trust Fund. The project‘s duration as of now is 5 years.

Statement 3 is incorrect.

It is not MIKE site.

Explanation

The Monitoring the Killing of Elephants acronyms as MIKE.
The prime objectives of the MIKE are to measure levels and trends in the
illegal poacher of elephants. So that Government can build their institutional capacity within the range of States for the long-term management of their elephant populations. Mike Sites Location Chirang Ripu Assam Dhang Patki Assam Eastern Dooars West Bengal Deomali Arunachal Pradesh Garo Hills Meghalaya Mayurbhanj Orissa Mysore Karnataka Nilgiri Tamil Nadu Shivalik Uttarkhand Wayanad Kerala

Statement 2 is incorrect.

It provides financial incentives to countries in their REDD+ efforts. There is no mention of assistance to universities scientists.

Explanation

Forest Carbon Partnership Facility

It is a global partnership of governments businesses civil society and Indigenous Peoples focused on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation forest carbon stock conservation the sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (activities commonly referred to as REDD+). The World Bank assumes the functions of trustee and secretariat. The World Bank the Inter-American Development Bank and United Nations Development Programme are Delivery Partners under the Readiness Fund and responsible for providing REDD+ readiness support services to distinct countries.

Objectives

To assist countries in their REDD+ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance. To pilot a performance-based payment system for REDD+ activities. Within the approach to REDD+ to test ways to sustain or enhance the livelihoods of local communities and to conserve biodiversity. To disseminate broadly the knowledge gained in Emission Reductions Programs (ERPs).