Civil Services Exam 2021 Revision Series

Aug 22, 2024

Civil Services Preliminary Examination PT 2021 Revision Series

Overview

  • Launch of PT 2021 revision series aimed at better preparation for Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
  • Program published daily at 9 am.
  • Objective: Make preparation beneficial for students.

Topic of Discussion: World's First 5 Country Biosphere Reserve

Recent News

  • UNESCO designated Muradrawa Danube as the world's first 5 country biosphere reserve.
  • Covers 700 km of Mura, Drava, and Danube rivers.

Details about Mura-Drava-Danube

  • Stretches across five countries.
  • Total area: 1 million hectares.
  • Located in the "Amazon of Europe."
  • Largest riverine protected area in Europe.
  • Features:
    • Floodplain forests
    • Gravel and sandbanks
    • River islands
    • Oxbows
    • Meadows
  • Biodiversity:
    • Highest density of breeding white-tailed eagles in continental Europe.
    • Important resting and feeding ground for over 250,000 migratory birds annually.

Information about Biosphere Reserves

Definition & Purpose

  • International designation from UNESCO.
  • Aims to promote biodiversity through the conservation of plants and animals.
  • Includes terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems.
  • Nominated by national governments under UNESCO's MAB program.
  • Status: Internationally recognized.

Zones of a Biosphere Reserve

  1. Core Areas
    • Most protected; entry prohibited except for research.
  2. Buffer Zone
    • Limited activities allowed (e.g., fishing, grazing).
  3. Transition Zone
    • Outermost area; human and economic activities permitted.

Biosphere Reserves in India

  • Total: 18 biosphere reserves.
  • 12 under UNESCO's MAB program.
  • Panna: Latest biosphere reserve added to the MAB program.
  • Nilgiri: First biosphere reserve in India (Tamil Nadu & Kerala).
  • Kutch: Largest biosphere reserve by area in India (Gujarat).

Important Facts about UNESCO and MAB Program

  • UNESCO: Established in 1945; headquarters in Paris, France.
  • Membership: 195 countries.
  • MAB Program: Launched in 1971; develops scientific attitudes among local communities.
  • Currently, 727 biosphere reserves in 131 countries.

Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

  1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is India's 1st Biosphere Reserve.
  2. Mura-Drava-Danube (MDD) Biosphere Reserve stretches across 4 countries.
  3. Panna Biosphere Reserve was included in UNESCO's MAB program in 2020.

Which statement(s) is/are correct?

  • A. 1 and 2 only

  • B. 2 only

  • C. 1 and 3 only

  • D. 2 and 3 only

  • Viewers encouraged to send answers in the comment section.

  • Stay tuned for the next episode.