Correct statements in relation to NIRANTAR platform — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2026

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR platform is/are correct?

1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata.
2. Research and Management Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is indeed Vertical I under the NIRANTAR platform. The lead institute overseeing this vertical is the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata,

Statement 2 is incorrect

• The designated lead institute for Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun.

Statement 3 is correct

• Capacity Development Support is Vertical III of the platform. The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, serves as the designated lead institute for this vertical.
• Note: We recommend aspirants avoid unnecessary guesswork in such highly unconventional questions.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Hard