2014 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I

Question 2: Environment and Ecology

If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?

aChanges in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
bThe country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
cThe survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
dIt is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The Montreux Record is a register kept under the Ramsar Convention of wetlands of international importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur because of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. A site on it needs priority conservation attention. It does not create a law banning activity near the wetland, protect any community's cultural practices, or confer World Heritage status. Loktak Lake in Manipur is an Indian site that has been on it.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Right. This is the definition of a site placed on the Montreux Record.
  • (b) Wrong. Ramsar does not require a five-kilometre ban on human activity around a wetland.
  • (c) Wrong. Cultural practices of local communities are not the criterion for the Record.
  • (d) Wrong. World Heritage status comes from UNESCO's separate convention, not the Montreux Record.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.