✅ Answer: A) 1 and 3 onlyStatements 1 and 3 are correct. The Paris Agreement (2015) replaced the Kyoto Protocol and applies to all countries (not just developed). Each country submits NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) — voluntary emission reduction targets. Statement 2 is incorrect — the Paris Agreement is legally binding as a treaty, but the NDCs themselves are not legally binding (countries set their own targets). The agreement requires countries to submit NDCs and report on progress, but there is no enforcement mechanism for the targets themselves. This was a key compromise to get universal participation.

✅ Answer: B) 30%The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted at COP-15 of the CBD in Montreal, Canada in December 2022. It set the “30×30” target — protect at least 30% of the Earth’s land and 30% of the oceans by 2030. It also set a target to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. The framework replaced the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010-2020). It also includes targets to reduce harmful subsidies to biodiversity by $500 billion per year and mobilise $200 billion per year for biodiversity conservation.

✅ Answer: B) Wetlands of international importanceThe Ramsar Convention (1971) is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It was signed in Ramsar, Iran on February 2, 1971 — hence World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2. Wetlands of international importance are listed as Ramsar Sites. India has 75 Ramsar Sites (as of 2023) — the largest number in South Asia. India’s first Ramsar Sites (1981) were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo Ghana (Rajasthan). The Ramsar Convention secretariat is in Gland, Switzerland.

✅ Answer: A) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000) is a protocol under the CBD. It deals with the safe handling, transport, and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) — commonly known as GMOs. It applies the Precautionary Principle — if there is scientific uncertainty about potential harm from LMOs, countries can restrict their import. It requires Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) before importing LMOs for intentional introduction into the environment. The Nagoya Protocol (2010) is also a protocol under CBD, dealing with Access and Benefit Sharing.

✅ Answer: A) 1, 2 and 3 onlyPairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly matched. UNFCCC secretariat is in Bonn, Germany. CBD secretariat is in Montreal, Canada. CITES secretariat is in Geneva, Switzerland. Pair 4 is incorrect — the Ramsar Convention secretariat is in Gland, Switzerland (not Nairobi). Nairobi, Kenya is the HQ of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). Other important secretariat locations: Montreal Protocol — Nairobi (UNEP); Basel/Rotterdam/Stockholm Conventions — Geneva, Switzerland; Bonn Convention (CMS) — Bonn, Germany.

✅ Answer: A) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) — potent greenhouse gases used as CFC replacementsThe Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase down HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons). HFCs were introduced as replacements for CFCs (which deplete the ozone layer) but turned out to be extremely potent greenhouse gases — some HFCs are thousands of times more potent than CO₂. The Kigali Amendment could prevent up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100. India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021. The original Montreal Protocol (1987) dealt with CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The ozone layer is recovering due to the Montreal Protocol’s success.

✅ Answer: A) Hazardous chemicals and pesticidesThe Rotterdam Convention (1998) requires Prior Informed Consent (PIC) for the international trade of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. Before exporting a listed chemical, the exporting country must inform the importing country and obtain its consent. This ensures that developing countries are not unknowingly receiving hazardous chemicals. The convention covers chemicals like asbestos, DDT, and certain pesticides. Note: The Cartagena Protocol (2000) requires Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) for GMOs/LMOs — a similar but different concept. The Basel Convention deals with hazardous waste (not chemicals).

✅ Answer: A) Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)The Bonn Convention (1979) is formally known as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). It protects migratory animals and their habitats across national boundaries. Appendix I lists endangered migratory species requiring strict protection. Appendix II lists species with unfavourable conservation status requiring international agreements. India is a party and the convention covers species like snow leopard, Amur falcon, dugong, and various migratory birds. The secretariat is in Bonn, Germany. India hosted the CMS COP-13 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in 2020 — the first time it was held in India.

✅ Answer: A) A comprehensive action plan for sustainable development in the 21st centuryAgenda 21 is a comprehensive, non-binding action plan for sustainable development adopted at the Rio Earth Summit (1992). It covers social and economic dimensions (poverty, health, population), conservation and management of resources (atmosphere, forests, biodiversity, oceans), strengthening the role of major groups (women, youth, NGOs), and means of implementation (finance, technology transfer). The “21” refers to the 21st century. Local Agenda 21 encouraged local governments to develop their own sustainable development plans. Rio+20 (2012) reaffirmed Agenda 21 and launched the SDGs process.

✅ Answer: A) Ramsar (1971) → CITES (1973) → Montreal Protocol (1987) → CBD (1992) → Kyoto Protocol (1997)The correct chronological order is: Ramsar Convention (1971, wetlands) → CITES (1973, wildlife trade) → Bonn Convention/CMS (1979, migratory species) → Vienna Convention (1985, ozone) → Montreal Protocol (1987, ODS) → Basel Convention (1989, hazardous waste) → UNFCCC + CBD (1992, Rio) → Kyoto Protocol (1997) → Rotterdam Convention (1998) → Cartagena Protocol (2000) → Stockholm Convention (2001) → Nagoya Protocol (2010) → Paris Agreement (2015) → Kigali Amendment (2016). Memorising this sequence is very useful for UPSC Prelims.