Correct answer: (c) 3 only
Explanation
- A
1 and 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is false: Ramsar does not make it mandatory for India to protect every wetland on its territory — obligations focus on listed Ramsar sites and wise use, not a blanket duty over all wetlands. Statement 2 is false: the 2010 Wetlands Rules were a domestic MoEF notification, not simply ‘based on a Ramsar recommendation’ as a legal parent. So 1-and-2 is not the key.
- B
2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only. Statement 2 fails, so this pair is not the key.
- C
3 only
(c) 3 only. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 treated the drainage area / catchment, as determined by the authority, as part of the regulated wetland system. Statements 1 and 2 do not stand. 3 only is the official key.
- D
1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3. Two false statements block all-three.
Summary. Official key is (c) 3 only. Ramsar is a treaty on wetlands of international importance, not a statute that automatically conserves every Indian marsh. The 2010 Rules were India’s own subordinate legislation and they did fold in catchment/drainage as the authority determined. Honour the stored letter (c).
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2016 · Q6 · General Studies · 2 marks
The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of