Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing and classifying living organisms, and it plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, environmental management and biological research. To encourage and recognise outstanding work in this field, the Government of India has instituted the E K Janaki Ammal National Award on Taxonomy, named after a pioneering Indian botanist. This question asks which Ministry administers this award, which reflects its connection with environmental and biodiversity concerns.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The award relates specifically to taxonomy, a branch of biological science.- The name E K Janaki Ammal is associated with botany and plant science.- We must identify which Ministry of the Government of India administers this national award.
Concept / Approach:
Although taxonomy has connections with agriculture, health and environment, the core policy responsibility for biodiversity conservation and protection of ecosystems lies with the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. This Ministry supports research and awards in areas such as wildlife, forests, climate and biodiversity. The E K Janaki Ammal National Award on Taxonomy falls within this broader environmental and biodiversity policy domain and is therefore administered by this Ministry, often through its specialised institutions dealing with plant and animal taxonomy.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. While it deals with crops and agricultural research, its focus is not primarily on pure taxonomy across all groups of organisms.Step 2: Consider the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Its work relates to energy technologies and has no direct link with taxonomy.Step 3: Consider the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Although it deals with health sciences, hospital management and public health programmes, it is not the primary ministry for biodiversity related taxonomy awards.Step 4: The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change is responsible for biodiversity conservation, wildlife, forests and ecological research, and therefore administers awards that promote taxonomy.Step 5: Hence, the correct answer is the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.
Verification / Alternative check:
As an alternative check, remember that many biodiversity and conservation related awards and schemes, including those focusing on taxonomy of flora and fauna, fall under the umbrella of the environment ministry and its affiliated organisations such as botanical and zoological surveys. This consistent pattern makes it reasonable that the E K Janaki Ammal National Award on Taxonomy is administered by the same ministry.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare) is wrong because its awards and schemes are predominantly focused on crop improvement, farming practices and agricultural extension.Option B (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) is wrong because it deals with solar, wind, bioenergy and other alternative sources of power, not taxonomic research.Option C (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) is wrong because its awards are generally related to public health service, medical education and disease control, not broad biodiversity taxonomy.
Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to see a biology related award and assume that it must be under the agriculture or health ministry. Another is to overlook the close connection between taxonomy and conservation policy. Always recall that taxonomy underpins identification and monitoring of species, which is central to environmental protection. Therefore, the environment ministry is the natural home for such an award.
Final Answer:
Correct answer: Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change
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