Question

UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development. 
  2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1. 1 only
  2. 2. 2 only
  3. 3. Both 1 and 2
  4. 4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: 1 only

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • Agenda 21 is a comprehensive and non-binding plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments for sustainable development. "21" in Agenda 21 refers to targets of the 21st century. So, statement 1 is correct.

  • Agenda 21 (the Rio Declaration on Environment and Sustainable Development) was adopted by more than 178 Governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) or ‘Earth Summit’ held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), 1992. However, The full implementation of Agenda 21 was strongly reaffirmed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg (South Africa) in 2002. So, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Environmental Organisations and Conventions

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Last updated on February, 2026

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 is now out on the official website at upsc.gov.in.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is Out for 933 Vacancies on the official website at upsc.gov.in.

UPSC Calendar 2026 has been released.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

→ Prepare effectively with Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Prelims Test Series 2026 featuring full-length mock tests, detailed solutions, and performance analysis.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Best UPSC Mentorship Program for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

Vajiram Content Team
Vajiram Content Team
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹19000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹8500
Enroll Now
Enquire Now