UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · Question 77
Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Natural Research and Application of Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct? 1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. 2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. Select the answer using the code given below:
Correct answer: Option B
Environment
Options
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 3 only
Detailed solution
Answer
Option (B) — 1 and 3 only
Explanation
- NIRANTAR is an integrated platform conceptualized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to synergize the efforts of its various autonomous institutions and regional offices.
- The platform aims to transform, adapt and build climate resilience through collaborative research, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable application of natural resources.
- It categorizes functional responsibilities into specific verticals assigned to different lead institutions to avoid duplication of work and enhance functional efficiency.
Statement Analysis
- Statement 1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata: Correct. The Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, serves as the lead institute for the Ecosystem Survey and Analysis vertical to comprehensively map and assess terrestrial and floral biodiversity.
- Statement 2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi: Incorrect. The lead institute for the Research and Management of Ecosystem Service vertical is the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, and not the Central Zoo Authority.
- Statement 3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal: Correct. The Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, is specifically designated as the lead institution for the Capacity Development Support vertical to build and enhance systemic institutional capacities.