Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). 2. Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry in the Government of India for the UNCCD. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1 only
Understanding India's Role in the UNCCD
Let's carefully examine each statement provided regarding India and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Analysis of Statement 1: India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
This statement claims that India is a signatory to the UNCCD. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international treaty established in 1994. Its primary focus is on addressing desertification and land degradation, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, known as drylands. Countries that sign and ratify this convention commit to implementing measures to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. India indeed ratified the UNCCD on December 17, 1996. Therefore, India is a Party to the Convention, having both signed and ratified it, making it a signatory.
Based on this information, Statement 1 is correct.
Analysis of Statement 2: Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry in the Government of India for the UNCCD.
This statement identifies the Ministry of Home Affairs as the nodal Ministry in India responsible for the UNCCD. The term 'nodal ministry' refers to the government department responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of a particular treaty or subject area within the country. In India, the subject of environment, forest, and climate change, which includes issues related to land degradation and desertification addressed by the UNCCD, falls under the purview of a specific ministry.
The nodal Ministry in the Government of India for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for internal security and related matters, not environmental conventions like the UNCCD.
Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.
Conclusion on the Statements
Based on the analysis of both statements:
- Statement 1: India is a signatory to the UNCCD - Correct.
- Statement 2: Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry for the UNCCD - Incorrect.
Only Statement 1 is correct.
Let's look at the provided options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
The analysis shows that only Statement 1 is correct. Therefore, the option that selects "1 only" is the correct answer.
Revision Table: Key Facts about UNCCD and India
| Aspect | Details related to India and UNCCD |
|---|---|
| UNCCD Full Form | United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification |
| India's Status | Party (Signed and Ratified) |
| Date of Ratification by India | December 17, 1996 |
| Nodal Ministry in India | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) |
| Focus Area | Combating desertification and land degradation, mitigating drought effects |
Additional Information on UNCCD and India
The UNCCD is one of the three Rio Conventions, alongside the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These conventions emerged from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. India is a Party to all three conventions.
India actively participates in global efforts to combat desertification and land degradation. As a vast country with significant dryland areas, India faces considerable challenges related to desertification and has been implementing various national programmes aimed at land restoration and sustainable land management.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) coordinates India's national action plan for combating desertification and represents India at international UNCCD forums, such as the Conference of the Parties (COP).
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