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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.
The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.
Q. What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bill's granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?
  • a)
    The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.
  • b)
    The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.
  • c)
    The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.
  • d)
    The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questio...
The passage expresses concern about the Bill granting "unrestricted powers" to the Union government. It highlights the potential for misuse of these powers, particularly in favor of construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. These artificially created green areas and enclosures are different from natural ecosystems and may not adequately consider the ecological impact. The passage raises legitimate concerns about the potential for these powers to be used without adequate environmental scrutiny, especially in the context of construction projects. Therefore, option (B) captures the central concern regarding the misuse of powers for construction projects.
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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passages major point, according to the text?

Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the impact of the proposed amendment on forest conservation, as discussed in the passage?

Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.According to the passage, which of the following conclusions is possible?

Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.Which of the following is the realistic plan of action that can address the issues in the proposed amendment bill, according to the passage?

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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for CLAT 2024 is part of CLAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CLAT exam syllabus. Information about Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CLAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CLAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CLAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.The Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which the new Bill aims to amend, admittedly and justifiably adopted a rather protectionist stance which made forest clearances time-consuming and costly to obtain. While current development needs and priorities must be recognized, this Bill deviates in a significant manner from the spirit of the original law. Three points that emerge from the Bill have caused considerable consternation among environmental experts: the narrowed definition of forests under its scope; the exclusion of significant tracts of forest areas; and the granting of sanction to additional activities that were regulated earlier. These need to be better explained.The Bill will significantly restrict the application of the landmark Godavarman judgment of 1996 which had extended the scope of the 1980 Act to the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ — that is, areas with trees rather than just areas legally notified as forest. The present Amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act to only legally notified forests and forests recorded in government records on or after October 25, 1980. This change could potentially impact around 28% of India’s forest cover, encompassing almost 2,00,000 square kilometres. While these forests include fruit orchards and plantations, they also encompass forests of exceptional quality and conservation value. An instance is a category of Unclassed Forests in Nagaland, that have so far not been officially recorded or deemed forests despite centuries of protection and use by autonomous clans. Perversely, States that have refused to identify important forest areas despite the Godavarman judgment, may now be free to allow the destruction of these forests for construction and development. For the same reason, large swathes of the Aravalli Hills in the Delhi National Capital Region which are considered ecologically significant, apart from being critical to the water security of this region, may be affected by the amendment. Second, the Bill excludes some of India’s most fragile ecosystems as it removes the need for forest clearances for security related infrastructure up to 100 km of the international borders. These include globally recognized biodiversity hotspots such as the forests of northeastern India and high-altitude Himalayan forests and meadows. Third, the Bill introduces exemptions for construction projects such as zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism facilities. Artificially created green areas and animal enclosures are very different from natural ecosystems which provide a bouquet of ecosystem services that contribute significantly to human wellbeing. What is worrying is that the Bill also grants unrestricted powers to the Union government to specify ‘any desired use’ beyond those specified in the original or amended Act. Such provisions raise legitimate concerns about the potential exploitation of forest resources without adequate environmental scrutiny.Q.What is the central concern expressed in the passage regarding the Bills granting of "unrestricted powers" to the Union government?a)The Union government may misuse its powers to interfere with state-level forest conservation efforts.b)The Union government may misuse its powers to favor construction projects.c)The Union government may misuse its powers to restrict the definition of forests.d)The Union government may misuse its powers to expand the scope of the original Forest Conservation Act.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice CLAT tests.
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