UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 98: Environment and Ecology
Consider the following statements :
- 1.The definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- 2.For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
- 3.Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The Forest Rights Act, 2006 defines Critical Wildlife Habitat (Section 2(b)), and Section 3(1)(e) recognises the habitat rights of Primitive Tribal Groups and pre-agricultural communities. The Baigas of Madhya Pradesh were the first to be given habitat rights in India. These rights are declared through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the State machinery, not by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- 1. The FRA, 2006 defines Critical Wildlife Habitat.
- 2. The Baigas were the first group to receive habitat rights.
- 3. The Tribal Affairs ministry, not MoEFCC, is the nodal ministry for these rights.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (b), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.
What you needed to know: The Tribal Affairs ministry, not MoEFCC, is the nodal ministry for these rights.
Only (a) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 2.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: statements 1 and 2.
- (b) Wrong: statement 3 is false.
- (c) Wrong: MoEFCC does not declare habitat rights.
- (d) Wrong: statement 3 is false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.