Explanation:
Article 142(1) of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary for doing “complete justice” in any cause or matter pending before it.
Statement 1:
Such decrees cannot override express statutory provisions.
✅ Correct
• Though Article 142 gives wide discretionary powers, it cannot be used to contravene or ignore substantive statutory provisions.
• The Court clarified this in several judgments:
• A.R. Antulay v. R.S. Nayak (1988) — SC held that Article 142 cannot be used to supplant substantive law.
• Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India (1998) — reiterated that this power cannot override existing law, especially where statutes lay down specific procedures or punishments.
👉Therefore, limited by statutory law, but not by procedural technicalities.
Statement 2:
Such decrees are enforceable as if they were decrees of a civil court.
✅ Correct
• Article 142(1) expressly provides that “any decree or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India in such manner as may be prescribed by Parliament and, until so prescribed, in such manner as the President may by order determine.”
• The Supreme Court (Decrees and Orders) Enforcement Order, 1954 makes them enforceable like civil court decrees.
Statement 3:
Parliament can by law curtail this power.
❌ Incorrect
• This power flows directly from the Constitution itself.
• Parliament cannot curtail or restrict it through ordinary legislation.
• Only a Constitutional Amendment could theoretically modify Article 142.
👉Final Answer:
✅ (a) 1 and 2 only
Article 142(1) of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary for doing “complete justice” in any cause or matter pending before it.
Statement 1:
Such decrees cannot override express statutory provisions.
✅ Correct
• Though Article 142 gives wide discretionary powers, it cannot be used to contravene or ignore substantive statutory provisions.
• The Court clarified this in several judgments:
• A.R. Antulay v. R.S. Nayak (1988) — SC held that Article 142 cannot be used to supplant substantive law.
• Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India (1998) — reiterated that this power cannot override existing law, especially where statutes lay down specific procedures or punishments.
👉Therefore, limited by statutory law, but not by procedural technicalities.
Statement 2:
Such decrees are enforceable as if they were decrees of a civil court.
✅ Correct
• Article 142(1) expressly provides that “any decree or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India in such manner as may be prescribed by Parliament and, until so prescribed, in such manner as the President may by order determine.”
• The Supreme Court (Decrees and Orders) Enforcement Order, 1954 makes them enforceable like civil court decrees.
Statement 3:
Parliament can by law curtail this power.
❌ Incorrect
• This power flows directly from the Constitution itself.
• Parliament cannot curtail or restrict it through ordinary legislation.
• Only a Constitutional Amendment could theoretically modify Article 142.
👉Final Answer:
✅ (a) 1 and 2 only
❤3
“Daily MCQ Edge Series”
[ Topic : Environment and Ecology]
Q.1855) With reference to CITES, consider the following about “Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs)”
1. NDFs are required only for Appendix I species.
2. NDFs assess whether international trade will not negatively impact survival of the species.
3. NDFs are issued by the Management Authority.
[ Topic : Environment and Ecology]
Q.1855) With reference to CITES, consider the following about “Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs)”
1. NDFs are required only for Appendix I species.
2. NDFs assess whether international trade will not negatively impact survival of the species.
3. NDFs are issued by the Management Authority.
Explanation:
• NDFs are required for Appendix I and II, not only I → so 1 is wrong.
• NDFs are prepared by Scientific Authority, NOT Management Authority → 3 is wrong.
• Only statement 2 is correct.
• NDFs are required for Appendix I and II, not only I → so 1 is wrong.
• NDFs are prepared by Scientific Authority, NOT Management Authority → 3 is wrong.
• Only statement 2 is correct.
☑️What are Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) in CITES ?
👉A Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) is a scientific assessment that a CITES-listed species can be legally exported without harming its survival in the wild.
👉It is mandatory for export of species in Appendix I & II.
✨Who prepares NDF?
👉 The Scientific Authority of the exporting country
(In India: Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) functions as SA + experts approved by MoEFCC)
✨Purpose of NDF
To ensure:
•Trade is sustainable
•Trade is not detrimental to the survival of the species
•Harvest/export does not reduce wild population viability
•Species’ role in the ecosystem is not compromised
Without an NDF, export permit cannot be issued (even if other conditions are met).
✨What NDF assesses?
NDF involves these key parameters:
1.Population status (size, trends, structure)
2.Distribution & habitat condition
3.Reproductive biology & life history
4.Impact of past & proposed harvests
5.Regeneration and recovery capability
6.Threats (poaching, habitat loss, trade pressure)
7.Effectiveness of management plans
8.Legal protection and monitoring systems
✨When is NDF not required?
👉Appendix III species
👉Re-export of already certified specimens
👉Captive-bred species under certain exemptions
👉Artificially propagated plants
👉A Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) is a scientific assessment that a CITES-listed species can be legally exported without harming its survival in the wild.
👉It is mandatory for export of species in Appendix I & II.
✨Who prepares NDF?
👉 The Scientific Authority of the exporting country
(In India: Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) functions as SA + experts approved by MoEFCC)
✨Purpose of NDF
To ensure:
•Trade is sustainable
•Trade is not detrimental to the survival of the species
•Harvest/export does not reduce wild population viability
•Species’ role in the ecosystem is not compromised
Without an NDF, export permit cannot be issued (even if other conditions are met).
✨What NDF assesses?
NDF involves these key parameters:
1.Population status (size, trends, structure)
2.Distribution & habitat condition
3.Reproductive biology & life history
4.Impact of past & proposed harvests
5.Regeneration and recovery capability
6.Threats (poaching, habitat loss, trade pressure)
7.Effectiveness of management plans
8.Legal protection and monitoring systems
✨When is NDF not required?
👉Appendix III species
👉Re-export of already certified specimens
👉Captive-bred species under certain exemptions
👉Artificially propagated plants
❤1
“Daily MCQ Edge Series”
[ Topic : Environment and Ecology ]
Q.1856) Which of the following types of land remain covered under the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023?
1. Forests notified under Indian Forest Act, 1927
2. Forests recorded in government records but not notified
3. Private plantations declared as forest by Supreme Court in Godavarman case
4. Land notified as forest under any state law
[ Topic : Environment and Ecology ]
Q.1856) Which of the following types of land remain covered under the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023?
1. Forests notified under Indian Forest Act, 1927
2. Forests recorded in government records but not notified
3. Private plantations declared as forest by Supreme Court in Godavarman case
4. Land notified as forest under any state law
Select the correct answer
Anonymous Quiz
25%
1 and 4
16%
1, 2 and 3
13%
2, 3 and 4
46%
All of the above
☑️ Snippets from the ongoing Mains Q&A batch.
[Topic : Fundamental Rights - Article 19 ]
Q) How does the concept of “reasonable restrictions” balance individual liberty with social control under the Indian Constitution.
👉A perfect Mains answer isn’t just written — it begins with a clear context , built with analysis, and ends with a perspective that ties it all together. —- that’s how a Mains answer earns depth.
[Topic : Fundamental Rights - Article 19 ]
Q) How does the concept of “reasonable restrictions” balance individual liberty with social control under the Indian Constitution.
👉A perfect Mains answer isn’t just written — it begins with a clear context , built with analysis, and ends with a perspective that ties it all together. —- that’s how a Mains answer earns depth.
❤1👍1
☑️ “Trailguard AI”was recently Installed at the Simlipal Tiger Reseve.
#currentaffairs #UPSCPrelims2026 #Environment
#currentaffairs #UPSCPrelims2026 #Environment
👉Drone-Mounted relay system is NOT a part of the Trailguard AI at Simlipal TR
❤1🥰1
☑️ Are Decomposers are part of keystone species ?
👉Generally NO.
Decomposers are not considered keystone species.
✨Why?
A keystone species is one whose impact on the ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to its abundance.
Examples: sea otter, starfish (Pisaster), beaver, African elephant, etc.
Where do decomposers fit?
👉Decomposers (fungi, bacteria, some insects) are absolutely essential for nutrient cycling.
👉But they are not usually classified as “keystone species” because:
•They are a large group, not a single species.
•Their function is broad and continuous, not a specific ecological “keystone” role.
•Keystone species usually have a controlling influence on population dynamics or ecosystem structure.
However…
👉Ecologists sometimes describe decomposers as “functional keystones” or “keystone processes”, meaning:
•Nutrient recycling is a keystone process.
•Not that decomposers themselves are individually keystone species.
Therefore it is safe to say. 👇
☑️Decomposers are critical for ecosystem functioning, but they are not typically categorized as keystone species.
Keystone species are specific species whose removal leads to ecosystem collapse, while decomposers represent an entire functional group performing a keystone ecological process (nutrient cycling).
#upsc #UPSCPrelims2026 #UPSCPreparation #environment
👉Generally NO.
Decomposers are not considered keystone species.
✨Why?
A keystone species is one whose impact on the ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to its abundance.
Examples: sea otter, starfish (Pisaster), beaver, African elephant, etc.
Where do decomposers fit?
👉Decomposers (fungi, bacteria, some insects) are absolutely essential for nutrient cycling.
👉But they are not usually classified as “keystone species” because:
•They are a large group, not a single species.
•Their function is broad and continuous, not a specific ecological “keystone” role.
•Keystone species usually have a controlling influence on population dynamics or ecosystem structure.
However…
👉Ecologists sometimes describe decomposers as “functional keystones” or “keystone processes”, meaning:
•Nutrient recycling is a keystone process.
•Not that decomposers themselves are individually keystone species.
Therefore it is safe to say. 👇
☑️Decomposers are critical for ecosystem functioning, but they are not typically categorized as keystone species.
Keystone species are specific species whose removal leads to ecosystem collapse, while decomposers represent an entire functional group performing a keystone ecological process (nutrient cycling).
#upsc #UPSCPrelims2026 #UPSCPreparation #environment
“Daily MCQ Edge Series”
[ Topic : Snow Leopard | Environment ]
Q.1857) Snow Leopards display which features?
1.Crepuscular activity pattern
2.Extremely long tail aiding balance
3.Territorial marking using scrapes
4. Living in large social groups
[ Topic : Snow Leopard | Environment ]
Q.1857) Snow Leopards display which features?
1.Crepuscular activity pattern
2.Extremely long tail aiding balance
3.Territorial marking using scrapes
4. Living in large social groups
Correct Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) show the following characteristics:
1. Crepuscular activity pattern — TRUE
Snow leopards are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.
(They can also be cathemeral depending on prey availability, but crepuscular is correct.)
2. Extremely long tail aiding balance — TRUE
They have a very long, thick, furry tail (almost as long as the body) which:
•Helps in maintaining balance on steep cliffs
•Provides warmth when wrapped around the body
3. Territorial marking using scrapes — TRUE
Snow leopards mark their territories using:
•Scrapes (scratching the ground)
•Scent marking
•Urine spraying
•Rubbing objects
Scraping is a well-documented behaviour.
4. Living in large social groups — FALSE
Snow leopards are solitary animals.
Only mothers with cubs stay together; otherwise adults live and hunt alone.
Explanation:
Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) show the following characteristics:
1. Crepuscular activity pattern — TRUE
Snow leopards are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.
(They can also be cathemeral depending on prey availability, but crepuscular is correct.)
2. Extremely long tail aiding balance — TRUE
They have a very long, thick, furry tail (almost as long as the body) which:
•Helps in maintaining balance on steep cliffs
•Provides warmth when wrapped around the body
3. Territorial marking using scrapes — TRUE
Snow leopards mark their territories using:
•Scrapes (scratching the ground)
•Scent marking
•Urine spraying
•Rubbing objects
Scraping is a well-documented behaviour.
4. Living in large social groups — FALSE
Snow leopards are solitary animals.
Only mothers with cubs stay together; otherwise adults live and hunt alone.
😁1
“Daily MCQ Edge Series”
[ Topic : Modern History ]
Q.1858) Consider the following statements regarding the Swadeshi movement (1905–11)
1. For the first time, the idea of passive resistance received systematic theoretical justification.
2. It saw the formation of the first all-India labour federation.
3. It marked the first national-scale boycott of both foreign goods and government institutions.
[ Topic : Modern History ]
Q.1858) Consider the following statements regarding the Swadeshi movement (1905–11)
1. For the first time, the idea of passive resistance received systematic theoretical justification.
2. It saw the formation of the first all-India labour federation.
3. It marked the first national-scale boycott of both foreign goods and government institutions.