UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I

Question 6: Environment and Ecology

With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?

aIt serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'

bIt undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level

cIt is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment

dBoth (a) and (b)

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The Global Environment Facility is a financial mechanism that gives grants to developing countries and countries in transition for projects on biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation and chemicals. It serves as a financial mechanism for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and later for the Stockholm Convention and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. It funds projects; it does not carry out scientific research itself, and it is not an OECD agency.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right. GEF is a financial mechanism for the CBD and the UNFCCC.
(b) Wrong. GEF funds projects; it does not itself undertake scientific research.
(c) Wrong. GEF is not an OECD agency; it is a partnership of countries with the World Bank, UNDP and UNEP.
(d) Wrong. Statement (b) is false, so both cannot be correct.

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.