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.
    UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1 Q77 Answer & Solution | ThinQ IAS