Climate Change Fuels Human-Wildlife Conflict in Uttarakhand, Bear Attacks Surge

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct as climate change, by altering weather patterns and resource availability, directly impacts animal behavior, including hibernation and foraging, pushing them into human-dominated landscapes. Statement 2 is correct; habitat fragmentation reduces available space for wildlife, forcing them into smaller, often human-proximate areas. Statement 3 is also correct, as easily accessible food sources like waste attract animals, leading to habituation and increased conflict. All three statements accurately describe factors contributing to human-wildlife conflict in the context of climate change and anthropogenic pressures.

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct: The Sloth Bear is indeed listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting it the highest level of protection. Statement 2 is also correct: The Himalayan Brown Bear is similarly listed under Schedule I, indicating its critically endangered status and need for maximum protection. Statement 3 is incorrect: While most ordinary laws require a simple majority, amendments to significant central acts like the Wildlife Protection Act, especially those impacting fundamental rights or federal structure (though less direct here), typically require a special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting, and more than 50% of the total membership of the House) for certain provisions, or at least a simple majority in both houses. However, the WPA is an ordinary law, and amendments to it generally require a simple majority in both houses. The 'simple majority' part is technically correct for ordinary legislation, but the phrasing 'any amendment' can be tricky if it implies constitutional amendments. For a central act like WPA, a simple majority is sufficient. However, the question's intent is to test the protection status of bears. Let's re-evaluate statement 3. Amendments to a central act like WPA are indeed passed by a simple majority in both houses of Parliament, similar to any ordinary legislation. Therefore, statement 3 is technically correct. Let's re-evaluate the difficulty and common knowledge. UPSC often tests the schedules. The 'simple majority' for an ordinary law is a basic legislative fact. Given the context of 'considering amendments' in the news, this statement is relevant. So, all three statements are correct. My initial thought about 'special majority' was for constitutional amendments or specific federal provisions, which is not the case for WPA. Therefore, D is the correct answer.

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct: Solar-powered lights and electric fences are effective deterrents, especially at night, to keep animals away from human habitations and crops. Statement 2 is correct: Clearing vegetation near settlements reduces hiding places for animals, making them less likely to ambush or approach unnoticed. Statement 3 is correct: Promoting unpalatable crops can reduce crop raiding, a major cause of conflict. Statement 4 is correct: Effective waste management prevents animals from becoming habituated to human food sources, which often draws them into conflict zones. All these strategies are commonly employed and considered effective in mitigating human-wildlife conflict.