In which year 'Biodiversity Act' was passed in India?
Correct Answer:
(B) 2002
The 'Bio-Diversity Act' was passed on 11, December, 2002. It provides for the preservation of Biological Diversity in India and mechanism for equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of traditional biological resources and knowledge.
Ques: 2
How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting Indian agriculture?
NBA checks the biopiracy and protects indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of the NBA.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) 1 and 3
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) with its headquarters in Chennai, was established in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002). The Act covers conservation, use of biological resources and associated knowledge. It provides a framework for access to biological resources and sharing the benefits arising out of such access and use. The Act also includes in its ambit the transfer of research results and application for Intellectual Property Right (IPR) relating to Indian biological resources. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal committee (GEAC) functioning under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is responsible for monitoring and supervising scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants and other organisms.
Note: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003 to implement India’s Bio-Diversity Act (2002). The headquarter of NBA is in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is a statutory autonomous body under Ministry of Environment.
Ques: 3
Consider the following statements regarding 'National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)':
1. India unveiled its updated NBSAP at CoP-15 for 2024-2040 on Biological diversity.
2. India's first NBSAP was created in 1999.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(B) 2 only
India unveiled its updated NBSAP for 2024-30 at CoP-16 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity conservation through targeted actions.
India's first NBSAP was created in 1999, later National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) was adopted in 2008, which was updated in 2014 to align with Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Ques: 4
Consider the following statements regarding Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (last amended in 2023):
1. Exemption has been granted to AYUSH practitioners and Traditional Knowledge holders from paying Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
2. ABS, now includes criminal penalties, compensatory amount and fines for its violation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
2023 Amendments
Exemption has been granted to AYUSH practitioners and Traditional Knowledge holders from paying Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
ABS, a type of compensatory amount, typically paid to tribal and other communities who traditionally gather, protect and utilize herbs and medicinal plants crucial to AYUSH industry.
Removes criminal penalties for violations and replace them with fines.
Ques: 5
Consider the following statements regarding Biological Diversity Rules, 2024:
1. To safeguard biodiversity, the new rules require NBA approval prior to IPR grants related to biological resources.
2. The Central Government appoints the chairperson of the NBA for a term of five years, with the option for reappointment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
To safeguard biodiversity, the new rules require NBA approval prior to IPR grants related to biological resources. This requirement aims to protect biodiversity-related inventions and ensure fair benefits are shared with resource providers.
Chairperson Appointment: The Central Government appoints the chairperson of the NBA for a term of three years, with the option for reappointment.