UPSC Prelims 2009 Q90: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
Which one of the following Union Ministries implements the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety ?
- (a) Ministry of Science and Technology
- (b) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- (c) Ministry of Environment and Forests
- (d) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Answer: (c) Ministry of Environment and Forests
Explanation
Which ministry implements the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
This international biosafety agreement, dealing with genetically modified organisms, falls under a specific Indian ministry's purview.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Ministry of Science and Technology | Incorrect | Involved in biotech research, but not the specific implementing ministry for this Protocol |
| (b) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare | Incorrect | Focuses on public health, not this specific biosafety protocol's implementation |
| (c) Ministry of Environment and Forests | Correct | The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, dealing with the safe transfer/handling of living modified organisms, is implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Forests |
| (d) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers | Incorrect | Unrelated to this specific biosafety protocol |
Cartagena Protocol facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biosafety of living modified organisms |
| Implementing ministry (India) | Ministry of Environment and Forests |
Answer: (c) Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Ministry of Science and Technology handles biotech research, not this specific implementation role.
- (b) Incorrect. The Ministry of Health focuses on public health, not this protocol.
- (c) CORRECT. The Ministry of Environment and Forests implements the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in India.
- (d) Incorrect. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers is unrelated.
Key point
India's Ministry of Environment and Forests implements the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which governs the safe handling and transfer of living modified organisms.
Remember
Ministry of Environment and Forests: implements the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in India.
Common mistakes
- Confusing biosafety implementation (Environment Ministry) with biotech research (Science & Technology Ministry).
- Not knowing the specific environmental regulatory angle of this biosafety protocol.
- Mixing up different ministries' roles in genetically modified organism (GMO) governance.
Exam tip
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety = implemented by India's Ministry of Environment and Forests. A specific international-agreement-ministry pairing.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India — Annual Report 2008–09 (Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: implementation)
- Convention on Biological Diversity — Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2000)