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All questions of Aquatic Ecosystem for UPSC CSE Exam

The Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification 2011 was established to govern development activities in island territories, separate from the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification.
  • a)
    True.
  • b)
    False.
  • c)
    Partially True.
  • d)
    Not Applicable.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Upsc Toppers answered
This statement is true. The Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification 2011 was specifically established to address the unique environmental and developmental challenges of island territories, distinct from the mainland coastal areas governed by the CRZ Notification.

Which of the following is not a feature of the CRZ Notification, 2018?
  • a)
    Streamlining of CRZ clearances.
  • b)
    De-freezing of Floor Space Index (FSI) in CRZ-II areas.
  • c)
    Establishment of a hazard line for coastal areas.
  • d)
    Mandatory creation of marine parks in all CRZ-IV areas.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sameer Nambiar answered
The correct answer is option 'D' - Mandatory creation of marine parks in all CRZ-IV areas. This is not a feature of the CRZ Notification, 2018.

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018 was introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019. It aimed to streamline the coastal regulation process and provide a framework for sustainable development and conservation of coastal areas.

Let's discuss the features of the CRZ Notification, 2018 to understand why option 'D' is the correct answer:

1. Streamlining of CRZ clearances:
- The notification aimed to simplify and streamline the process of obtaining clearances for various activities in the coastal areas.
- The classification of CRZ areas was rationalized into four categories (CRZ-I, CRZ-II, CRZ-III, and CRZ-IV) based on their ecological sensitivity and development needs.

2. De-freezing of Floor Space Index (FSI) in CRZ-II areas:
- The CRZ Notification, 2018 allowed the state and Union Territory governments to formulate their own policies for construction activities in CRZ-II areas.
- The earlier restriction on the FSI was removed, giving more flexibility to the local authorities to decide on the permissible FSI.

3. Establishment of a hazard line for coastal areas:
- The notification introduced the concept of a hazard line, which is a line demarcating the area likely to be affected by coastal hazards such as sea-level rise, storms, and erosion.
- It aimed to regulate development activities and prevent construction in areas prone to hazards, ensuring the safety of coastal communities.

4. Mandatory creation of marine parks in all CRZ-IV areas:
- This statement is not a feature of the CRZ Notification, 2018.
- CRZ-IV areas are designated as the areas that are undeveloped or lightly developed, and they have been excluded from the purview of the CRZ Notification, 2018.
- The notification does not mandate the creation of marine parks in CRZ-IV areas.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'D' - Mandatory creation of marine parks in all CRZ-IV areas. This is not a feature of the CRZ Notification, 2018. The notification focuses on streamlining clearances, de-freezing FSI in CRZ-II areas, and establishing a hazard line for coastal areas.

Assertion (A): Coral reefs are included in Schedule 1 of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
Reason (R): This inclusion affords the highest degree of protection to coral reefs.
  • a)
    Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • b)
    Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  • c)
    A is true, but R is false.
  • d)
    A is false, but R is true.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Datta answered
Understanding the Assertion and Reason
In this context, we analyze the statement regarding coral reefs and their inclusion in the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
Assertion (A): Coral reefs are included in Schedule 1 of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
- True Statement: Coral reefs are indeed included in Schedule 1 of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
- Protection Level: Schedule 1 provides the highest level of protection to species and habitats, indicating that coral reefs are recognized as critical and vulnerable ecosystems.
Reason (R): This inclusion affords the highest degree of protection to coral reefs.
- True Statement: The inclusion in Schedule 1 does afford the highest degree of protection to coral reefs.
- Explanatory Value: This reason correctly explains the significance of their inclusion, as it highlights the protective measures aimed at preserving these vital ecosystems.
Correct Answer: Option 'A'
- Both A and R are true: Coral reefs are indeed listed in Schedule 1, and this inclusion provides maximum protection.
- R is the correct explanation of A: The reason directly justifies the assertion, as the protection status is inherently linked to their listing in Schedule 1.
Conclusion
- The statement confirms both the factual accuracy of the assertion and the explanatory nature of the reason, solidifying the answer as option 'A'. This inclusion emphasizes the importance of coral reefs within the framework of wildlife protection laws in India, reflecting ecological, economic, and social significance.

The 'Blue Flag' certification is an international label awarded to beaches and marinas that meet high environmental and safety standards.
  • a)
    True.
  • b)
    False.
  • c)
    Partially True.
  • d)
    Not related to environmental standards.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

This statement is true. The 'Blue Flag' certification is indeed an international label that recognizes beaches and marinas for their commitment to high environmental and safety standards, as well as sustainable development in marine and freshwater environments.

Statement 1: The Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) project was launched in 1998 for the integrated management of coastal and marine areas.
Statement 2: The primary focus of ICMAM is on industrial development along coastal regions.
  • a)
    Both statements are true.
  • b)
    Both statements are false.
  • c)
    Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is false.
  • d)
    Statement 1 is false, Statement 2 is true.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

K.L Institute answered
Statement 1 is true, as the Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) project was indeed launched in 1998 with the aim of integrated management of coastal and marine areas. Statement 2 is false because the focus of ICMAM is not solely on industrial development but rather on a broader scope of managing and conserving coastal and marine environments, including addressing pollution, ecological conservation, and sustainable development.

Statement 1: The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau focuses on strengthening enforcement of laws and controlling poaching.
Statement 2: Coral reefs are included in Schedule 2 of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
  • a)
    Both statements are true.
  • b)
    Both statements are false.
  • c)
    Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is false.
  • d)
    Statement 1 is false, Statement 2 is true.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Divey Sethi answered
Statement 1 is correct as the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau does work on law enforcement and poaching control. Statement 2 is false because coral reefs are included in Schedule 1, not Schedule 2, of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, which offers them the highest degree of protection.

The Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) was established in 2010 as the nodal agency for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) practices.
  • a)
    True.
  • b)
    False.
  • c)
    Partially True.
  • d)
    Not Applicable.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ias Masters answered
This statement is true. SICOM was indeed established in 2010 and serves as the nodal agency responsible for implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management practices, providing technical support to the National Coastal Zone Management Authority.

The 'Namami Gange' initiative is part of the Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission and includes a comprehensive action plan for the conservation and enhancement of the Ganga River.
  • a)
    True.
  • b)
    False.
  • c)
    Partially True.
  • d)
    Not related to the Ganga River.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Lakshya Ias answered
This statement is true. The 'Namami Gange' initiative is indeed a part of the Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission, focusing on a comprehensive action plan that encompasses various aspects of Ganga conservation and enhancement, including pollution abatement and sustainable development along the river.

Consider the following statements:
1. Mangroves of Bhitarkanika is the largest in the Indian subcontinent
2. Harbour high mangroves found in Gulf of Kachchh
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 Only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Shah answered
  • The mangroves of Sundarbans are the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangroves of the world.
  • The mangroves of Bhitarkanika (Orissa), which is the second largest in the Indian subcontinent, harbour high mangroves found in Gulf of Kachchh, to taller stands found in the Sunderbans.
  • On the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the small tidal estuaries, neritic inlets and the lagoons support a dense and diverse undisturbed mangrove flora.

Match the following activities with their corresponding CRZ categories where they are allowed:
  • a)
    1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C.
  • b)
    1-D, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B.
  • c)
    1-C, 2-D, 3-B, 4-A.
  • d)
    1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Desalination plants are permissible in CRZ-II, natural gas exploration in CRZ-I, traditional fishing activities in CRZ-IV, and construction of essential facilities in CRZ-III.

Match the following CRZ categories with their descriptions:
  • a)
    1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D.
  • b)
    1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B.
  • c)
    1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-A.
  • d)
    1-A, 2-B, 3-D, 4-C.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

CRZ-I refers to ecologically sensitive areas, CRZ-II to developed areas, CRZ-III to relatively undisturbed areas, and CRZ-IV to the aquatic area extending to territorial limits.

Under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, Protected Areas including National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Marine Biosphere Reserves were established for conserving marine life, including coral reefs.
  • a)
    True.
  • b)
    False.
  • c)
    Partially True.
  • d)
    Not related to marine life conservation.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

This statement is true. The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, facilitated the creation of Protected Areas such as National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Marine Biosphere Reserves, which play a crucial role in conserving marine life and habitats, including coral reefs.

Match the following initiatives with their primary focus:
  • a)
    1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D.
  • b)
    1-A, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B.
  • c)
    1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B.
  • d)
    1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ias Masters answered
The Ganga Action Plan focuses on river rejuvenation and pollution abatement (C), Namami Gange is part of the Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission aiming at river conservation (A), ICMAM aims at integrated management of coastal and marine areas, including biodiversity conservation (B), and COMAPS is focused on pollution monitoring in coastal waters (D).

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