Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs – March 3, 2023 [Mock Test]
March 20, 2023 March 20, 2023
1. Which of the following species has/have been included in the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)?
- Red-crowned roofed turtle
- Soft-shell turtle
- Shisham
- Sea cucumbers
- Indian star tortoise
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 & 5]
Notes:- Two Indian turtle species — the red-crowned roofed turtles (Batagur kachuga) and Leith’s soft-shell turtle (Nilssonia leithii) are included in the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in CITES CoP19 held at Panama.
- India’s Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) is included in Appendix II of the convention.
- The Conference has accepted a proposal to include sea cucumbers (Thelenota) in Appendix II of the Convention.
- Earlier in 2019 during the 18th CITES plenary meeting in Geneva, Indian star tortoises were added to the Appendix I.
2. With respect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), consider the following statements:
- It is also known as the Washington Convention.
- The legally binding convention entered into force in 1975.
- India is a party to the convention.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is also known as the Washington Convention.
- CITES is an international agreement between governments — 184 at present — to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
- The convention entered into force in 1975 and India became the 25thparty — a state that voluntarily agrees to be bound by the Convention — in 1976.
- Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words they have to implement the Convention – it does not take the place of national laws.
- Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research.
- Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled.
- Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation.
- Species may be added to or removed from Appendix I and II, or moved between them, only by the Conference of the Parties.
3. A special joint work, ‘Koronivia’ of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is related to which of the following?
[A] Natural disasters
[B] Agriculture
[C] Fisheries
[D] Global warming
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Agriculture]
Notes:- India recently communicated strong objections to discussions under a special UN Framework Convention on Climate Change effort known as the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, which has sought to expand efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouses gases to the agriculture sector.
- It aims to recognise the unique potential of agriculture in tackling climate change.
- It was established at the 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP) in Fiji in 2017 as a new process to advance discussions on agriculture in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- The joint work will address six topics related to soils, nutrient use, water, livestock, methods for assessing adaptation, and the socio-economic and food security dimensions of climate change across the agricultural sectors.
