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Correct answer : (b) Keibul Lamjao National Park.

Explanation

Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in Manipur, is the world’s only floating national park. Key features include:

1. Unique Ecosystem:
   • Situated on Loktak Lake, the park is characterized by phumdis – floating mats of vegetation, soil, and organic matter. These swamps cover 40 km² and support diverse flora and fauna.
   • The phumdis are buoyant due to their composition (80% submerged, 20% above water), forming a dynamic habitat that adapts to seasonal water levels.
2. Biodiversity:
   • Sangai Deer: Endemic to the park, this endangered brow-antlered deer is Manipur’s state animal and relies on phumdis for survival.
   • Other species: 230 aquatic plants, 100 bird species (including migratory birds), and animals like otters, wild boars, and Indian pythons.
3. Conservation Status:
   • Designated a Ramsar Wetland (1990) and listed in the Montreux Record (1993) due to ecological threats.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• (a) Bhitarkanika National Park: A mangrove ecosystem in Odisha, known for saltwater crocodiles, not floating swamps.
• (c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park: A Rajasthan-based bird sanctuary (Ramsar site) with wetlands but no floating vegetation.
• (d) Sultanpur National Park: A Haryana bird sanctuary, it lacks swampy or floating habitats.

Correct answer : (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest.

Explanation

Teak (Tectona grandis) is a dominant species in Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests of India:

1. Distribution: Found in regions with 100–200 cm annual rainfall, such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
2. Ecological Adaptations: Teak thrives in well-drained soils and sheds leaves during dry summers, a hallmark of moist deciduous ecosystems.
3. Significance: Valued for high-quality timber, teak forms extensive stands in areas like the Satpura and Vindhya ranges.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

• (b) Tropical Rainforest: Characterized by evergreen species (e.g., mahogany, rosewood), not teak.
• (c) Tropical Thorn Scrub Forest: Dominated by drought-resistant shrubs (e.g., acacia), unsuitable for teak.
• (d) Temperate Forest with Grasslands: Found in cooler, high-altitude regions (e.g., Himalayas), incompatible with teak’s tropical habitat.

Correct answer : (c) 1 and 3 only.

Analysis of Statements

Statement 1: It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.

• Correct. BirdLife International is a global partnership of 123 national conservation organizations (e.g., National Audubon Society, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) working across six continents to protect birds and biodiversity.

Statement 2: The concept of 'biodiversity hotspots' originated from this organization.

• Incorrect. The term "biodiversity hotspot" was coined by Norman Myers in 1988 and later adopted by Conservation International, not BirdLife. BirdLife focuses on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), not biodiversity hotspots.

Statement 3: It identifies the sites known as 'Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas'.

Correct. BirdLife International developed the IBA programme, identifying over 13,000 sites critical for bird conservation using standardized criteria. These IBAs are also recognized as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) under a global partnership.

Correct answer : (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1: It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society, and indigenous peoples.

• Correct. The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) is a global partnership involving governments, businesses, civil society, and Indigenous People.

Statement 2: It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists, and institutions for forestry research.

• Incorrect. The FCPF does not fund academic research. Its focus is on REDD+ implementation through country-level capacity building and performance-based payments, not scientific research institutions.

Statement 3: It assists countries in their REDD+ efforts by providing financial and technical assistance.

• Correct. The FCPF supports developing countries in designing and implementing REDD+ strategies through grants, technical expertise, and performance-based payments.

Key Facts About FCPF

• Objective: Reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).
• Structure: Managed by the World Bank, with 47 participating countries and 17 donors, including India.
• Funds:
  • Readiness Fund: Helps countries build technical and institutional capacity for REDD+.
  • Carbon Fund: Provides payments for verified emission reductions.

Additional Info:

REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a global framework under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) designed to combat climate change by preserving forests. Key aspects include:

1. Objective: Incentivize developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:
   • Slowing or halting deforestation and forest degradation.
   • Promoting conservation, sustainable forest management, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
2. Mechanism:
   • Results-based payments: Countries receive financial incentives after verified reductions in emissions or increases in carbon sequestration.
   • Integrated into the Paris Agreement (Article 5.2), ensuring alignment with global climate goals.

Correct answer : (d) Neither 1 nor 2.

Detailed Explanation of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IOR-ARC/IORA)

Establishment and Background

• Founded: 7 March 1997 (formerly known as IOR-ARC).
• Initiators: South Africa, India, Mauritius, and Australia.
• Objective: Promote economic cooperation, sustainable development, and regional integration among Indian Ocean Rim countries.
• Members: The 23 member states of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. 

Analysis of statements

1. Statement 1: Established recently in response to piracy/oil spills.
   • Incorrect. IORA was established in 1997, not "very recently." Its creation was driven by economic cooperation, not piracy or oil spills.
2. Statement 2: Alliance meant for maritime security only.
   • Incorrect. IORA’s mandate spans six priority areas:
     • Maritime Safety and Security
     • Trade and Investment Facilitation
     • Fisheries Management
     • Disaster Risk Reduction
     • Academic and Scientific Cooperation
     • Tourism Promotion and Cultural Exchanges
     • Additionally, Blue Economy and Women’s Economic Empowerment were later added.

Structure and Governance

1. Council of Ministers (COM): Apex decision-making body, meets biennially.
2. Committee of Senior Officials (CSO): Implements COM decisions.
3. Secretariat: Based in Mauritius, coordinates activities.
4. Working Groups: Focus on trade, business forums, and academic collaboration.

Major Initiatives

1. Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD): Track 1.5 dialogue discussing regional issues.
2. Blue Economy: Promotes sustainable use of marine resources (e.g., eco-tourism, fisheries).
3. Maritime Safety and Security: Addresses piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking through collaborative mechanisms.
4. Trade Facilitation: Aims to reduce barriers and enhance intra-regional trade.