UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Prime Minister welcomes new Ramsar sites at Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand

Q1. Under the definition of 'wetlands' adopted by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, areas of marine water may be included provided that their depth at low tide does not exceed:

  • A. 3 metres
  • B. 6 metres
  • C. 10 metres
  • D. 12 metres

Q2. With reference to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and its associated instruments, consider the following statements: 1. The Convention was adopted at Ramsar, Iran in 1971 and came into force in 1975. 2. The Montreux Record, maintained under the Convention, is a register of listed wetlands where adverse changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur. 3. India acceded to the Ramsar Convention in 1971, the same year in which the Convention was adopted. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Convention was adopted at Ramsar, Iran in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
  2. The Montreux Record, maintained under the Convention, is a register of listed wetlands where adverse changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur.
  3. India acceded to the Ramsar Convention in 1971, the same year in which the Convention was adopted.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With the designation of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand announced ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026, India's Ramsar network grew to 98 sites. From how many sites in 2014 did this network expand to reach that figure?

  • A. 21
  • B. 26
  • C. 42
  • D. 64

Q4. In the context of the recent additions to India's Ramsar network, what precisely is meant by a site being designated a 'Ramsar Site' (Wetland of International Importance)?

  • A. A wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention on account of its international ecological significance, as per agreed criteria
  • B. A wetland inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its natural value
  • C. A wetland notified as a Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
  • D. A wetland recognised as a UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve

Q5. Following its Ramsar designation, day-to-day conservation and 'wise-use' management of the Patna Bird Sanctuary is operationalised primarily through which of the following bodies?

  • A. The State Wetland Authority, Uttar Pradesh
  • B. The National Biodiversity Authority
  • C. The Wildlife Institute of India
  • D. The Central Zoo Authority

Q6. Which one of the following distinctions is correctly associated with the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district?

  • A. It is the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh
  • B. It is the largest freshwater lake in Uttar Pradesh
  • C. It is the oldest national park in India
  • D. It is the highest-altitude wetland in the Indo-Gangetic plain

Q7. With reference to the Chhari-Dhand wetland, consider the following statements: 1. It is a seasonal saline desert wetland lying between the Banni grasslands and the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. 2. It was notified as Gujarat's first Conservation Reserve in 2008 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 3. It lies on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and is chiefly a breeding ground for the Lesser Florican. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is a seasonal saline desert wetland lying between the Banni grasslands and the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
  2. It was notified as Gujarat's first Conservation Reserve in 2008 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  3. It lies on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway and is chiefly a breeding ground for the Lesser Florican.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. Chhari-Dhand's inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance is processed and notified by which Union ministry as the nodal ministry?

  • A. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • B. Ministry of Jal Shakti
  • C. Ministry of Tourism
  • D. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare

Q9. Under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, the State Wetland Authority is to include one expert each drawn from how many specified specialist fields (such as wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries, landscape planning and socioeconomics)?

  • A. 3
  • B. 4
  • C. 5
  • D. 7

Q10. India's national event to commemorate World Wetlands Day 2026 was held at which one of the following venues?

  • A. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
  • B. Keoladeo National Park
  • C. Sultanpur National Park
  • D. Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Q11. Which one of the following initiatives, announced in the Union Budget 2023-24, is specifically aimed at promoting the unique conservation values of Ramsar sites while supporting local livelihoods?

  • A. Amrit Dharohar
  • B. Mission Sahbhagita
  • C. Namami Gange
  • D. Save Wetlands Campaign

Q12. Which one of the following pairs correctly identifies India's first two designated Ramsar sites?

  • A. Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park
  • B. Sambhar Lake and Wular Lake
  • C. Loktak Lake and Harike Wetland
  • D. Sundarban Wetland and Bhitarkanika Mangroves