PMF IAS Environment

1. Solved Environment Prelims Questions 2011-20
1.1. 2011-2012
Q1. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?
Answer: b) Botanical Garden
Q2. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
Answer: a)
Q3. Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop an export oriented industry in this field?
Answer: b)
Q4. Consider the following:
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
Answer: b) 1, 3 and 4 only
Q5. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?
Answer: b) Indian wild ass
Q6. Consider the following kinds of organisms
Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?
Answer: All
Q7. The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 2 only
Q8. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
As of 2021, the status of most of these animals has changed. Outdated question.
Q9. The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?
Explanation:
Q10. If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because
Answer: a)
Q11. When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it generally dries up and dies because
Answer: b) roots are starved of energy as the phloem (food carrying tissue) is cut off.
Q12. Consider the following:
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?
Answer: c) Photosynthesis takes out CO2 from carbon cycle. Rest all ads CO2.
Q13. Consider the following statements: Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b)
Q14. Consider the following:
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants ?
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Q15. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs
Answer: d) the infrared part of the solar radiation (outgoing radiation)
Q16. The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?
Answer: b)
Q17. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
Answer: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q18. Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
Answer d)
Q19. With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:
Which of above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country?
Answer: c) all
Central Acts and Rules having Relevance to Biodiversity Conservation
Q20. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: a)
Q21. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Q22. Recently, ‘oilzapper’ was in the news. What is it?
Answer: a) remediation of oil sludge and oil spills
Q23. Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant?
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Q24. Two important rivers - one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha - merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and bio-diversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?
Answer: a) Bhitarkanika
Q25. A particular State in India has the following characteristics:
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
1.2. 2013
Q1. Consider the following pairs:
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Q2. Consider the following pairs about parks and rivers passing through them:
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Q3. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Q4. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Equatorial Vegetation
Answer: Too easy. d) All
Q5. Consider the following fauna of India:
Which of the above is/are endangered?
Outdated question
Q6. Consider the following
Which of the above found in India?
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Q7. Consider the following animals:
Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Q8. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer: d) all (explained in the chapter on “Agriculture”)
Q9. Consider the following organisms
Which of the above are biofertilizers?
Answer: b) 2 only
Q10. Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only.
Q11. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in
Answer: d) None
Q12. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Q13. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
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Explanation:
Answer: b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
Q14. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation:
Answer: c) 1, 3 and 5 only
Q15. Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?
Q16. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by
Q17. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
Answer: a) NO2, 03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
Q18. With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Answer: a)
Q19. Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms?
Answer: b) Niche
Q20. With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is / are known as decomposer organism/organisms?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Answer: b)
Q21. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of
Q22. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?
1.3. 2014
Q1. Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?
Answer: b)
Q2. Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q3. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
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Answer: b) 2 only
Q4. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of
Q5. Conserving Biodiversity
Answer: a) biosphere reserves
Q6. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: d) Neither
Q7. Consider the following pairs
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Q8. Consider the following pairs
Wetlands Confluence of rivers
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Answer: a) 1 only
Q9. Which of the following have coral reefs?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Q10. Consider the following:
The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?
Answer: c) All
Q11. Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?
Arachnids
Crustaceans
Insects
Q12. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
Answer: (a)
Q13. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?
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Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Q14. If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses, Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
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Q15. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
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Q16. With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coal bed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following ‘statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q17. In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?
Q18. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Answer: a) 1 only
Q19. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
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Explained under “Air Pollution”
Q20. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?
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Answer: d) All
Q21. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?
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Q22. Consider the following countries:
Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council’?
Q23. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Answer: a)
Q24. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
Answer: a)
Q25. With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: b) 2 only. Wetlands International is an NGO
Q26. Consider the following international agreements:
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
Q27. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
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Answer: b) 1 and 2 only
Q28. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Q29. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements :
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: c) 2 and 3 only
Q30. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Answer: c) 2 and 3 only
Q31. Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?
1.4. 2015
Q1. Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?
Q2. What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: c) 2 and 3 only
Q3. With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct using the code given below.
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Q4. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using the coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Answer: a) 1 and 2
Q5. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Answer: c) 1 and 3
Q6. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
Q7. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?
Answer: d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Q8. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?
Answer: b)
Q9. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?
Answer: a) United nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Q10. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: a) 1 only
Q11. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?
Answer: d) Namdapha National park
Q12. ‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustain-able Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the
Answer: d) World Bank
Q13. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
Answer: c)
Q14. ‘Basel III Accord’ or simply ‘Basel III’, often seen in the news, seeks to
Answer: b) improve banking sector’s ability
Q15. In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living tree into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes these bridges become stronger. These unique ‘Living Root Bridges’ are found in
Q16. Consider the following States:
In which of the following states do “Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests” occur?
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Q17. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Q18. With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Q19. In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
Answer: a)
Q20. Which one of the following is the best description of the term “ecosystem”?
Answer: c)
Q21. With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q22. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Answer: c) Both
1.5. 2016
Q1. Consider the following pairs (2016):
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Answer: c) 3 only
Q2. With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to
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Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 (UPSC Official Key)
Q4. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?
Q5. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: a)
Q6. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: a) 1 only
Q7. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Answer: b) 2 only
Q8. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 2 only
Q9. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Answer: b)
Q10. What is/are the importance/importance of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’?
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Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Q11. Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India?
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Answer: c) 3 only
Q12. ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the
Answer: a)
Q13. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?
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Answer: d) all
Q14. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
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Answer: b) 2, 3 and 4 only
Q15. Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’?
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Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Q16. ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to
Q17. What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
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Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Q18. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
Q19. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q20. Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?
Q21. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the `Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?
1.6. 2017
Q1. The term M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Q2. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?
Q3. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
Q4. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?
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Q5. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
Q6. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?
Q7. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q8. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
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Q9. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for
Q10. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?
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Q11. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?
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Q12. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
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Q13. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Q14. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1.7. 2018
Q1. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?
Q2. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q3. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q4. Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”?
Answer: a)
Q5. The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of
Answer: d)
Q6. Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? (2018)
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Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Q7. Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
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Answer: a) 1 only
Q8. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 2 only
Q9. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 and 2 only.
Q10. In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Q11. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at
Answer: b) Rio+20
Q12. Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by
Answer: c) UNFCCC
Q13. With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture (GACSA)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given
Q14. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture?
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Answer: c) 2, 4 and 5
Q15. With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Q.16 With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 3 only
1.8. 2019
Q1. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
Answer: c)
Q2. Consider the following pairs:
Wildlife: Naturally found in
Which one of the pair given above are correctly matched?
Answer: c)
Q3. Consider the following statements :
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: a)
Q4. Consider the following statements:
Which one of the statement given above is/are correct?
Answer: a)
Q5. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statement given above are correct?
Answer: d)
Q6. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: d)
Q7. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b); but according to the official UPSC Key, the answer is c) 3 only
Q8. Consider the following statements: The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b)
Q9. Consider the following states :
With reference to the states mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?
Answer: c)
Q10. Consider the following:
Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
Answer: d)
Q11. For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?
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Answer: d)
Q12. In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
Answer: c)
Q13. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as
Answer: a)
Q14. In the context of the proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: c)
Q15. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?
Answer: d)
Q16. In the context of which one of the following are the terms pyrolysis and plasma gasification mentioned?
Answer: d)
Q17. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of
Answer: d)
Q18. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of methane hydrate?
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Answer: d)
Q19. Which one of the following are Agasthyamala biosphere reserve?
Answer: a)
Q20. Which one of the following national parks lies completely in the Temperate alpine zone?
Answer: d)
Q21. Why is there a great concern about the microbeads that are released into environment?
Answer: a)
1.9. 2020
Q1. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?
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Answer: a)
Q2. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
Answer: c)
Q3. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Q4. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Answer: d)
Q5. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?
Answer: a) a license is required
Q5. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint?
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Answer: a)
Q6. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following?
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Answer: d)
Q7. Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?
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Answer: a)
Q8. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?
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Answer: d) all
Q9. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin?
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Answer: c)
Q10. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasinga) that thrives well in hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
Q11. Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the
Answer: a)
Q12. With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White- throated redstart are
Q13. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below;
Answer: c)
Q14. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements :
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
Answer: a) 1 & 2 only
2. Environment, Habitat and Ecosystem
2.1. Environment
2.2. Habitat
2.2.1. Difference Between Habitat and Environment
2.3. Ecosystem
2.3.1. Classification of Ecosystems
2.3.2. Difference Between Ecology, Environment, Habitat & Ecosystem
Q. Which one of the following is the best description of the term “ecosystem”?
Explanation:
Answer: c)
2.4. Components of an Ecosystem
2.4.1. Abiotic Components
Q. If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because
Explanation:
Answer: a)
Major Limiting Factors
Light
Rainfall
Temperature
Atmosphere
Organic compounds
Inorganic compounds
Altitude
Buffering capacity of the earth
Salinity
2.4.2. Effect of Abiotic Components on Terrestrial Primary Producers (Plants)
Light
Frost
Snow
Temperature
Dieback
2.4.3. Biotic Components
Primary Producers or Autotrophs (Self-Nourishing)
Consumers or Heterotrophs or Phagotrophs (Other Nourishing)
Macro Consumers
Micro Consumers or Saprotrophs (Decomposers or Osmotrophs)
3. Ecology – Principles and Organizations
3.1. Levels of Organizations in Ecology
3.1.1. Individual and Species
3.1.2. Population
Identifying Populations using Pugmarks
3.1.3. Community
Major Communities
Minor Communities
3.1.4. Ecosystem
Ecological Niche
Difference Between Niche and Habitat
Q. Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism but also its functional role in the community of organisms?
Explanation:
Answer: b) Niche
3.1.5. Biome
Ecotone
Characteristics of Ecotone
Ecocline
Edge Effect – Edge Species
3.1.6. Biosphere
3.2. Principles of Ecology
3.2.1. Adaptation
Examples of Adaptation
Morphological
Archaebacteria (Archaea) and Eubacteria
Physiological
Behavioural
3.2.2. Variation
Adaptive radiation
3.2.3. Speciation
3.2.4. Mutation
3.2.5. Natural Selection
3.2.6. Evolution
3.2.7. Extinction
Q. The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of (2018)
Explanation: Extinction Events
Answer: d) Suggested Reading: Evolution of the Earth
Q. Which of the following are true?
Codes:
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2,3 only
Q. Choose the incorrect pairs
Codes:
Explanation:
Answer: c) 1,2,3 only (incorrect pairs)
4. Functions of an Ecosystem
4.1. Ecological Succession
4.1.1. Stages in Ecological Succession
4.1.2. Primary Succession
Q. Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of
Explanation:
Answer: b) Algae and Fungai
Autotrophic and Heterotrophic succession
4.1.3. Secondary Succession
Difference Between Primary and Secondary Succession
4.1.4. Autogenic and Allogenic Succession
Q. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of
Explanation:
Answer: c) water limits and fire
4.1.5. Succession in Plants
4.1.6. Succession in Water
4.2. Homeostasis in Ecosystem
4.2.1. Homeostasis
Regulate
Conform
Why had these conformers not evolved to become regulators?
Migrate
Suspend
5. Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem – Trophic Levels
5.1. Food Chain
5.1.1. Grazing food chain
5.1.2. Detritus food chain
Q. With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as decomposer organism/organisms?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation:
Humus
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Q. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?
Explanation:
Answer: (a) Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings (basics are the key)
5.2. Food Web
5.2.1. Types of Biotic Interactions in a Food Web
Interactions
Species
Effect
Comments
1
2
Negative Interactions
Positive Interactions
Neutral Interactions
Q. With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: a) 1 only
5.3. Ecological Pyramids
5.3.1. Pyramid of Numbers
Pyramid of Numbers – Upright
Pyramid of Numbers – Inverted
5.3.2. Pyramid of Biomass
Pyramid of Biomass – Upright
Pyramid of Biomass – Inverted
5.3.3. Pyramid of Energy
Ecological Efficiency
5.3.4. Limitations of Ecological Pyramids
5.3.5. Biomagnification – Pollutants and Trophic Level
Movement of these pollutants involves two main processes:
Bioaccumulation
Biomagnification
6. Biogeo Chemical Cycling or Nutrient Cycling
6.1. Types of Nutrient Cycles
6.2. Carbon Cycle (Gaseous Cycle)
6.2.1. Steps in Carbon Cycle
Q. Consider the following:
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on earth?
Explanation:
Answer: c) 2,3 and 4 only
Q. Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?
Explanation:
Answer: b)
6.3. Nitrogen Cycle (Gaseous Cycle)
6.3.1. Nitrogen Fixing – N2 to NH3
6.3.2. Nitrification – Ammonia to Nitrates
6.3.3. Ammonification – Urea, Uric Acid to Ammonia
6.3.4. Denitrification – Nitrate to Nitrogen
Q. Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation:
Answer: Official UPSC Key says the answer is c) 1 and 3 only.
Q. Consider the following:
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?
Explanation:
Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3
Q. What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: c) 2 and 3 only
6.4. Methane (CH4) Cycle (Compound Gaseous Cycle)
6.4.1. Natural Sources of Methane Emissions
Wetlands
Termites
Oceans
Methane Hydrates
Permian–Triassic extinction event (Third Mass Extinction)
6.4.2. Human Sources of Methane Emissions
Landfills
Wastewater Treatment
Fossil Fuels
Livestock
Rice Cultivation
Biomass Burning
6.4.3. Methane Sink
Reaction with the hydroxyl radical
Methane Hydrates
Q. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of methane hydrate? (2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: d) all
6.5. Phosphorus Cycle (Sedimentary cycle)
6.6. Sulphur Cycle (Sedimentary cycle)
6.6.1. Steps in Sulphur Cycle
Q. With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: b) 3 only
7. Natural Ecosystems
7.1. Terrestrial Ecosystems or Biomes
Major Biomes
Tundra
Forest
Grassland
Desert
7.1.2. Tundra Biome
7.1.3. Taiga or Boreal Biome
Podzols
7.1.4. Temperate Deciduous Biome (North-Western Europe – British Type Climate)
7.1.5. Temperate Rainforest Biome
7.1.6. Sub-Tropical Deciduous Biome in Eastern China, South-eastern USA
7.1.7. Steppe or Temperate Grassland Biome
7.1.8. Temperate Deciduous Biome (Mediterranean Climate)
7.1.9. Tropical Deciduous Biome (Monsoon Climate)
7.1.10. Savanna or Tropical Wet and Dry Biome
Savannas are Meant to Burn
7.1.11. Tropical Rainforest Biome
Importance of Rainforests
Major oxygen producers
Carbon sink
Precipitation
Source to many rivers
Climate
Biodiversity
Commercial Agriculture
Indigenous communities
Importance of the Amazon Rainforest
Threats: Frequent Fires in the Amazon Rainforest
Prolonged droughts due to climate change
Slash and burn agricultural practice
Intentional fires caused by land grabbers
Political discourse
How do the fires in Amazon affect the world?
Carbon sink to carbon source and global warming
Forest fires intensify droughts
Pollution and Global Warming
Forest Fires and Droughts Make Way for Grasslands (Decrease in Productivity)
Fore fires are essential for other Ecosystems
Fires give new life
Threats: Plantation Boom, Resource Extraction
Effects of Destroying Rainforests
Soil Degradation
Droughts and famine
Even commercial plantation crops would fail in the long run
Extinction of indigenous communities
Q. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: every single statement is correct
7.1.12. Desert Biome
7.2. Aquatic Ecosystems
7.2.1. Aquatic Organisms
7.2.2. Factors Limiting the Productivity of Aquatic Habitats
Sunlight
Photic zone
Aphotic zone
Dissolved oxygen
Winterkill
Temperature
7.3. Ecosystem Services & Goods
7.3.1. Quantifying the Economic Value of Natural Ecosystems (Ecosystem valuation)
7.3.2. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)
Q. With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: Statement 1) is false; d) 2 and 3 only
Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement
7.3.3. Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
Ecological services offered by the Himalayan States
Incentivising Climate-Resistant Agriculture
Global scenario
Amazon Fund
7.3.4. Ecosystem Services by Seagrass
Importance of Seagrass
Q. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Answer: c) 1 & 3
Threats faced by seagrass
Eutrophication
7.3.5. Ecosystem Services by Seaweed
Commercial Significance
Ecological Importance of Seaweed Cultivation
Treating coastal pollution
Oxygen & Nutrient Supply
Mitigating climate change through Ocean Macroalgal Afforestation (OMA)
Other Utilities
Seaweed Cultivation: Potential in India
Challenges to seaweed harvesting in India
8. Wetland Ecosystem
8.1. Differences Between Wetlands and Lakes
8.2. Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem
8.2.1. Importance of Estuaries
Ecological Importance
Economic Importance
8.2.2. Differences between Lagoon and Estuary
8.2.3. Estuarine Vegetation
8.2.4. Indian Estuarine Ecosystem
8.2.5. Issues of Indian Estuarine Ecosystem
8.3. Mangroves
8.3.1. Adaptive Mechanism of Mangroves
India’s Mangrove Cover Assessment 2019 (area in sq km)
8.3.2. Mangroves in India
Mangroves of Sundarbans
Bengal tigers may not survive climate change, UN report finds
Other major Mangrove Forests on the East Coast
Mangrove Forests on the West Coast
Kharai Camel – India’s swimming camels
Q. What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
8.3.3. Global Status of Mangrove Cover
Why are mangroves not found beyond subtropics?
8.3.4. Importance of mangroves
Q. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?
Explanation:
Answer: c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
8.3.5. Threats to Mangroves and Associated Consequences
Q. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (2019)
Aquaculture, Agriculture and Salt Ponds
Threat
Consequences
Coastal Development and Lumbering
Threat
Consequence: Habitat loss and climate vulnerability
Consequence: Loss of species and genetic diversity
Charcoal and Lumber Industries
Climate Change
Replantation Does not Produce Optimum Results
The Curious Case of Mumbai’s Coastal Road Project
Ecological & Economic Damage
8.4. Importance of Wetlands
8.5. Reasons for the Depletion of Wetlands
8.5.1. Mitigation of Wetland Destruction
8.6. Measures to Protect Wetlands
8.6.1. Wetlands International
Q. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
 Answer: Wetlands International is an NGO. b) 2 only
8.6.2. National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA)
8.6.3. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010
8.6.4. Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules 2017
State Wetland Authority
What cannot be notified under the Rules?
Prohibited Activities under the New Rules
Concerns
8.6.5. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Definition of Wetland by Ramsar Convention
Criteria for Identification of Wetlands under Ramsar Convention
Contracting Parties (COP) to Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The Responsibilities of the Contracting Parties
Q. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only; but as per the UPSC official key, the answer is c) 3 only
International Organization Partners of Ramsar Convention
Other Partners
8.6.6. Ramsar Site
Deletion from the List
Transboundary Ramsar Sites
The Montreux Record
Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
Answer: a)
8.6.7. Ramsar Sites of India
8.6.8. Largest and Smallest and Oldest Ramsar Sites of India
9. Evolution of the Biosphere
9.1. Hadean Eon
Is it possible to boil water (change the state of water from liquid to gas) at room temperature?
9.2. Archean Eon
9.3. Proterozoic Eon
9.3.1. Events that Can Cause Global Cooling
Natural Events that Can Cause Global Cooling
Anthropogenic Events That Can Cause Global Cooling
9.4. Phanerozoic Eon
The Phanerozoic eon is divided into three eras:
9.4.2. Paleozoic Era
Cambrian Period
Ordovician Period
Ordovician–Silurian extinction (First Mass Extinction)
Silurian Period
Devonian Period
Late Devonian extinction (Second Mass Extinction)
Carboniferous Period
Permian Period
Permian–Triassic extinction event (Third Mass Extinction)
9.4.3. Mesozoic Era
Triassic Period
Early Triassic
Middle Triassic
Late Triassic
Triassic–Jurassic extinction event (Fourth Mass Extinction)
Jurassic Period
Early Jurassic
Middle Jurassic
Late Jurassic
Cretaceous Period
Early Cretaceous
Late Cretaceous
Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event (Fifth Mass Extinction)
9.4.4. Cenozoic Era
Paleogene Period
Paleocene
Eocene
Oligocene
Neogene Period
Miocene
Pliocene
Quaternary Period
Pleistocene
Holocene
Holocene extinction (Sixth Mass Extinction or Anthropocene Extinction)
Anthropocene Extinction includes:
9.4.5. Anthropocene epoch
Q. The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of (2018)
Answer: d)
10. Biodiversity and Loss of Biodiversity
10.1. Definitions
10.1.1. Biodiversity
Species richness
Species evenness
Alpha diversity
Beta diversity
Gamma diversity
10.1.2. Genetic diversity
10.1.3. Species diversity
10.1.4. Ecological diversity
Stable community
10.1.5. Endemism
10.1.6. Bioprospecting & Biopiracy
10.1.7. Types of Species
Keystone species
Foundation species
Flagship species
10.2. Importance of a Healthy Biodiversity
Support a variety of plant species
Ecosystem balance
Breaking down pollutants
Climatic stability
10.3. Causes for the Loss of Biodiversity
Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 2019
Key points from the IPBES Report
10.3.2. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Barrier Effect and Associated Long-term Ecological Damage
Fragmentation of India’s Tiger Habitats
Effect on tiger population
Grassland Habitat Loss in the Western Ghats due to Invasive Species
Toda Tribes
10.3.3. Alien Species Invasions
How are invasive species introduced into an ecosystem?
Threats to native wildlife from invasive species
Acacia (wattle) and eucalyptus
African catfish
Forked Fanwort
Indian Bullfrog
Prosopis Juliflora
Banni grasslands
Indian Wild ass / khur
Maldharis
Q. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news? (2018)
Answer: b)
Q. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area, but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?
Explanation:
Answer: b) Indian wild ass
Invasive Pest and Weed Attacks in India
10.3.4. Over-exploitation
Poaching
10.3.5. Species Extinction
Co-extinctions
10.3.6. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO/Transgenic Organism)
The Curious Case of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
10.3.7. Trade in Wildlife
10.3.8. Pollution and Climate Change
10.4. Consequences of Loss of Biodiversity
10.4.1. Affects Livelihood
Food and Nutritional Security Crisis
10.4.2. Human-Animal Conflict
Causes
Impacts
Preventive and Mitigation strategies
Project RE-HAB
Culling of animals – Conservation or Biodiversity loss?
Natural culling
Culling by humans – controlled culling
Why did controlled culling become necessary?
The practice of Culling worldwide
Animal Welfare Activists vs Pro Culling Lobby
10.4.3. Increased Zoonoses due to Habitat Loss
How does the change in ecosystems and loss of biodiversity help Zoonoses thrive?
10.4.4. Adverse Changes to Biotic Interactions
11. Biodiversity Conservation
11.1. In situ conservation
11.1.1. Reserved & Protected Forests
11.1.2. Wildlife Sanctuaries or Wildlife Refuges
Tiger Reserves
11.1.3. Biosphere Reserve
Core area
Buffer zone
Transition area
11.1.4. National Park
Q. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of
Answer: a)
11.1.5. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs)
Legal Status
Activities Allowed in ESZs
Q. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: d) Neither
11.1.6. Conservation Reserves
11.1.7. Community Reserves
11.1.8. Sacred Groves
11.2. Ex Situ Conservation
11.2.1. Botanical Garden
Purpose of botanical gardens
11.2.2. Zoo
Q. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?
Explanation:
Answer: b) Botanical Garden
11.3. National Efforts and Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation
11.3.1. Wildlife Mitigation Measures – Eco-Bridges or Eco-Ducts
11.3.2. Quarantine Centres to Check Invasive Species
Issues with the functioning of the quarantine centres
11.3.3. Preservation of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats
Western Ghats
Eastern Ghats
Madhav Gadgil Committee
Gadgil Committee (WGEEP) Recommendations
Kasturirangan Committee
Recommendations of Kasturirangan Committee
October 2018 notification
11.3.4. Historic Citizen Movements to Conserve Biodiversity
Chipko Movement
Role of Sunderlal Bhaguna
Role of Women in the Movement
Appiko Movement
Anti-Tehri Dam Protest
Chipko Movement
11.4. International Efforts and Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation
11.4.1. UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Cartagena Protocol
Nagoya Protocol
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA)
Q. Consider the following pairs (2016):
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Explanation:
Answer: c) 3 only
Q. Consider the following international agreements:
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
Answer: d) all
Aichi Biodiversity Targets
Sharm El Sheikh Declaration
COP-15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
United for Biodiversity Coalition by EU
11.4.2. World Heritage Sites
“Natural heritage sites are restricted to those natural areas that
International Year of Biodiversity
11.4.3. Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB programme)
11.4.4. Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
11.4.5. Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR)
Bonn Challenge
11.4.6. United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030
11.4.7. Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)
11.5. Biodiversity Hot Spots
11.5.1. Biodiversity Hotspots in India
Q. Consider the following statements: (2010)
Explanation:
Answer: d) neither
11.5.2. Hope Spots
Hope Spot Sites from India
12. Wildlife Conservation – Part I
12.1. Regulating Trade in Wildlife
12.1.1. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES)
Parties to CITES
Q. With reference to the IUCN and the CITES, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Conference of Parties to CITES (CoP)
The CoP will decide on:
Functioning of CITES
The protection offered to species by CITES
Appendices I
Appendix II
Appendix III
12.1.2. The 18th Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP18)
Major developments in CITES CoP18
India sought to boost the protection status of 5 species at CITES CoP18
12.1.3. Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE)
12.1.4. The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC)
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of TRAFFIC: (2017)
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: b)
12.1.5. Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT)
12.1.6. Policies and Laws Concerning CITES in India
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992
Foreign Trade Policy (2009-2014)
EXIM Policy
Enforcement: Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
Operation ‘Clean Art’
‘Not all animals migrate by choice’ campaign
12.2. Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
12.2.1. Classification of Species Under CMS
12.2.2. CMS COP13
12.2.3. Central Asian Mammals Initiative
List of animals Included in Central Mammals Initiative
12.3. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
12.3.1. IUCN Red List or Red Data List or Red Book
Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into 9 groups
Q. The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2 only
12.3.2. BirdLife International
Q. With reference to ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
12.4.1. Threats Faced by Tiger Population
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
Prevention is better than cure
12.4.2. Measures Taken by the Government for Tiger Conservation
Legal
Administrative
Financial
3-pronged strategy to manage human/tiger negative interactions
International Cooperation
12.4.4. Core and Buffer Zones in Tiger Reserves
Core area
Buffer areas
12.4.5. Tiger Task Force
12.4.6. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
NTCA members
Functions of NTCA
Issues with Project Tiger
12.4.7. Tiger corridors in the country
List of macro-landscape level tiger corridors
12.4.8. Tiger Census
Estimation of Tiger Populations
2018 Census methodology
MSTrIPES – Technology in Wildlife Conservation
Advantage of MSTrIPES
12.4.9. 2018 Tiger Census Report
Shivalik Gangetic Plain
Central Indian Landscape and Eastern Ghats
Western Ghats
The Northeast
Important Observations from 2018 tiger census
Other Important observations from All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018
Forests with a potential of increasing tiger population
Measures that led to the increase in tiger population
Concerns remain
12.4.10. International Efforts Towards Tiger and Snow Leopard Conservation
The Global Tiger Initiative
St. Petersburg Declaration and Global Tiger Recovery Program
International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC)
Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Program (GSLESP)
Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India
TX2 Award and Tiger Conservation Excellence Award
TX2 Award
Tiger Conservation Excellence Award
Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS or CATS)
Global Tiger Forum
12.5. Conservation of Snow Leopard
12.5.1. Project Snow Leopard
Why to conserve the high-altitude ecosystem?
13. Wildlife Conservation – Part II
13.1. Elephant Conservation
13.1.1. Difference between African Elephant and Asian Elephant
13.1.2. Difference between African Forest Elephant and African Savanna Elephant
Q. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements :
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: a) 1 & 2 only
13.1.3. Ecological Importance of Elephants
13.1.4. Project Elephant
13.1.5. Elephant Corridor
Threats to Elephant Corridors
Mitigation
13.1.6. Haathi Mere Saathi
13.1.7. Asian Elephant Alliance
13.1.8. IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG)
13.2. Conservation of India’s Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros
13.2.1. Rhino Species Across the World
Q. Consider the following statements:
Which one of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: a) 1 only
13.2.2. India’s Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Indian Rhino)
Conservation Efforts by India
13.2.3. India Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020
13.2.4. Evaluation of IRV 2020
Way forward
13.3. Conservation of the Dolphin Species Found in Indian Waters
13.3.1. South Asian River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
Ganges River Dolphin – Susu (P. g. gangetica)
Indus River Dolphin (P. g. minor)
Q. Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
Answer: c) Susu
Q. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
Explanation:
Q. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit? (2017)
13.3.2. Irrawady Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
13.3.3. Project Dolphin (Proposed)
13.3.4. Ganges River Dolphin Conservation Measures by India
13.4. Conservation of India Crocodile Species
13.4.1. Crocodile Species in India
Gharial (CR)
Mugger/Indian Crocodile/Broad Snouted Crocodile
Saltwater Crocodile
13.4.2. Indian Crocodile Conservation Project
Objectives
13.4.3. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
13.5. Conservation of Sea Turtles
13.5.1. Turtle Found in India
CR – Black Softshell Turtle
CR – Hawksbill Turtle
CR – Indian Narrow Headed Softshell Turtle
CR – Red Crowned Roofed Turtle/Bengal Roof Turtle
EN – Green Sea Turtle
EN – Indian Softshell Turtle (Ganges softshell turtle)
EN – Peacock Softshelled Turtle
VU – Leatherback Turtle
Q. Consider the following fauna of India:
Which of the above is/are endangered?
Explanation:
Answer: d) none
VU – Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
13.5.2. Sea Turtle Conservation Project
13.6. Conservation of Indian Vultures
13.6.1. Diclofenac and Indian Vulture Crisis
Consequences of Depopulation of Vultures
13.6.2. Conservation Status of India Vultures
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Critically Endangered
White-Rumped Vulture
White-Backed Vulture
Ruppell’s Vulture
Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus)
Slender-Billed Vulture
Endangered
Cape Vulture
Near Threatened
Himalayan Vulture/Himalayan Griffon Vulture
Least Concern
Griffon Vulture
13.6.3. Steps taken by the government
Vulture Safety Zones (VSZ)
Action Plan for Vulture Conservation
Action Plan for Vulture Conservation in India (APVC) 2020-2025
Diclofenac Alternative
13.7. Other National Efforts Towards Wildlife Conservation
13.7.1. Hangul Conservation Project (HCP) or Project Hangul (Kashmiri stag)
13.7.2. Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)
Components of the scheme
The list of critically endangered (locally) species under Species Recovery Programme
13.7.3. Animal Welfare Board of India (not to be confused with National Board for Wildlife)
Functions
Q. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
13.7.4. National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) 2017-2031
Components of 3rd National Wildlife Action Plan (2017 – 2031)
Significant Features
Landscape Approach
13.7.5. National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds (2018 – 2023)
Central Asian Flyway (CAF)
13.7.6. Green Good Deeds Initiative
13.7.7. Bombay Natural History Society
Q. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 2 and 3 only
13.8. International Efforts Towards Wildlife Conservation
13.8.1. World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)
Initiatives by WWF
Q. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’ (UPSC Prelims 2014).
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Answer: c)
Earth Hour
Similar Topic: Earth Day Network (EDN) & Earth Day – April 22
13.8.2. International Whaling Commission
13.8.3. Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered Species (EDGE SPECIES)
14. India State of Forest Report 2019 (ISFR 2019)
14.1. Forest Survey of India (FSI)
14.1.1. Objectives of FSI
14.1.2. The major activities of FSI
14.2. Important Terms
14.3. The summary of the key findings of ISFR 2019
14.4. Major Information from India State of Forest Report 2019 (ISFR 2019)
14.4.1. Forest Cover
Forest Cover of India
Forest Cover in the States/UTs in India
Change in forest cover
Q. Consider the following states :
With reference to the states mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?
Answer: c) 3-2-4-1
Top 10 States with largest forest cover
Criticism of the definition of ‘Forest Cover’
14.4.2. Recorded Forest Area (RFA)
Deemed Forests
Recorded Forest Areas (RFAs) in States and UTs
Criticism of FSI’s approach
Positives are exaggerated whereas as negatives are suppressed
Not enough tree cover but still a forest! Forest on paper!
Anything green is a forest?
14.4.3. Tree Cover
14.4.4. Tress Outside Forests (TOF)
14.4.5. Forest and Tree cover of India in 2019
14.4.6. Forest resources in the world
14.4.7. Sustainable Development Goals and ISFR 2019
14.4.8. Forest Types and Biodiversity
Forest area for top 5 countries in 2015
Area under different Forest Type Groups of India
14.4.9. Fire Proneness categories and criteria
14.4.10. National Forest Inventory
Stock
Bamboo Resources of the Country
Economic Importance of Bamboo
Carbon Stock in India's Forests
World’s Forest Carbon Stocks
Q. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Mains 2020 – 250words)
Forest Type wise Carbon Stock at the National level in different carbon pools with per ha stock given in tonnes in parenthesis (‘000 tonnes)
Forests
14.5. Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020
14.5.1. Findings of the Report
GFRA & India
About FAO
14.6. National Forest Policy of India
14.6.1. National Forest Policy 1998
Policy Features & Aims
14.6.2. Draft National Forest Policy 2018
14.7. Afforestation Programmes
14.7.1. National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
Joint Forest Management (JFM)
Examples of Joint Forest Management (JFM)
Issues with Joint Forest Management (JFM)
Social forestry
Components of Social Forestry
14.7.2. Compensatory Afforestation (CA)
Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2017
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Issues with the present system of compensatory afforestation (CA)
Only few species are used in Compensatory Afforestation schemes
Green Credit Scheme
FAC’s Take
Criticism of the Green Credit Scheme
14.7.3. Aerial Seeding for Reforestation
Aerial seeding
Dart seeding
14.8. Government Initiatives to Promote Bamboo in India
14.8.1. National Bamboo Mission
Major Objectives
15. Global Environmental Issues and Environmental Degradation
15.1. Major Causes of Environmental Degradation
15.1.1. Pollution
Air Pollution
Water pollution
Soil degradation
15.1.2. Damage to ecology and biodiversity
15.2. Consequences of Environmental Degradation
15.3. Human Modified Ecosystems and Environmental Degradation
15.3.1. Characteristics of human-modified ecosystems
15.3.2. Agroecosystems
Characteristics of agro-ecosystems
Disadvantages of agro-ecosystem
15.3.3. Plantation Forest
Characteristics of plantation forests
Economic importance
15.3.4. Aquaculture
There are two types of aquaculture
Merits of aquaculture
Demerits of aquaculture
15.3.5. Dams, Reservoirs and Diversions
Advantages of dams
Disadvantages of dams
Ageing Dams & Looming Crisis
Consequences of ageing dams
Q. Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?
Most Water Consuming Industries:
15.4. Coral Bleaching or Coral Reef Bleaching due to Environmental Degradation
15.4.1. Coral Reefs
15.4.2. Ideal Conditions for Coral Growth
15.4.3. Corals and Zooxanthellae
Symbiotic Relationship Between Corals and Zooxanthellae
15.4.4. Causes for Coral Bleaching or Coral Reef Bleaching
15.4.5. Ecological Causes of Coral Bleaching
Temperature and Ocean Acidification
Q. Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (2019)
Subaerial exposure
Fresh Water Dilution
Inorganic Nutrients
Xenobiotics
Epizootics
15.4.6. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
15.4.7. India’s Coral Reefs
15.5. Environmental Issues in the Himalayas
15.5.1. Degradation of Himalayan Environment
Biotic pressure
Pollution and solid waste
Deforestation
15.5.2. Development
Hydroelectric power projects
Urbanisation to meet tourism demands
Infrastructure development
Cultural/Pilgrimage Tourism
15.5.3. Climate change/global warming
15.5.4. Initiatives to save Himalayan Environment
Ban on Plastic in HP
Participatory Conservation of Lakes in the Region
Assam Hill Land and Ecological Sites Act, 2006
Sikkim’s Ecotourism Policy
15.5.5. Measures That Can Be Taken to Protect the Himalayan Ecosystem
Harnessing Religious Sentiments for Conservation
Promoting Ecotourism and Regulation of Commercial Tourism
16. Air Pollution
16.1. Air Pollution
16.1.1. Classification of Pollutants
According to the form
According to their existence in nature
16.1.2. Noise Pollution
Permissible noise level in India
Laws to control Noise Pollution
16.1.3. Major Causes of Air Pollution
Vehicular and Industrial Emissions
Improper Use of Pyrolysis
Applications of pyrolysis
Advantages of Pyrolysis
Fuel adulteration
Emissions from Agricultural activities, Waste Treatment and Biomass Burning
Stubble Burning
UPSC Mains 2015 Question: Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country, but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (200 words)
Geography and Climate
Polluting Industry in close vicinity
Vehicular Emissions
Farm Straw Burning
Winters are more polluted than summers in Delhi. Why?
Household Air Pollution (Indoor Air Pollution)
Volcanism – Acid Rain, Ozone Destruction
16.2. Major Air Pollutants
16.2.1. Particulate Pollutants
Particulate Matter Less than 2.5 μm
16.2.2. Fly ash
Composition
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Explanation:
Answer: d) all
Uses
Policy measures of MoEF
Q. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using the coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Explanation:
Answer: a) 1 and 2
16.2.3. Nanoparticles (NPs)
Effects of Nanoparticles on the environment
Effect of NPs on dust cloud formation
Asian brown clouds impact on Himalayan glaciers
NPs and ozone depletion
Effect of NPs on stratospheric temperature
16.2.4. Black Carbon (Soot) and Himalayan Glaciers
Brown Carbon
Q. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: d) all
16.2.5. Carbon monoxide (CO)
Health Effects
Environmental Effects
16.2.6. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Effects on Health
Effects on Environment
16.2.7. Ozone (O3)
Reactions Involved in the Formation of Ground Level Ozone
Harmful Effects of Ozone
16.2.8. Stratospheric Ozone Depleting Substances
Ozone depleting substances have been used as:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
Halons
Q. Consider the following statements: Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: c)
16.2.9. Nitrogen oxides (Oxides of Nitrogen) (NOx)
Effects on Health and Environment
16.2.10. Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
India’s SO2 Emissions
SO2 Emission Hotspots in India
16.2.11. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
16.2.12. Benzene
Benzene Pollutants
Styrene Gas
What is styrene used for?
What happens if someone is exposed to styrene gas?
Short term Effects
Long-term effects
Q. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation:
Answer: d) all
16.3. Minor Air Pollutants
16.3.1. Lead
16.3.2. Ammonia (NH3)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: d) all
16.3.3. Ethylene
16.3.4. Asbestos
Metallic Oxides
Biological pollutants
Radon
17. Effects of Air Pollution
17.1. Air Pollution is the 4th Greatest Killer – State of Global Air 2020
17.1.1. Occupational Health Hazards
Black lung disease
Chemicals and Biological Agents
17.2. Smog (smoke + fog)
17.2.1. Sulphurous smog
17.2.2. Photochemical smog
17.2.3. Haze
17.2.4. Effects of Smog
17.3. Acid Rain – Acidification
17.3.1. The pH scale
17.3.2. Gases that cause acid rain
Q. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment by
Explanation:
More details:
17.3.3. Types of Acid Deposition
Wet Deposition
Dry Deposition
17.3.4. Chemistry of Acid Rain
17.3.5. Harmful Effects of Acid Rain
Effects on soil
Effects on humans
Effects on aquatic life
Effect on terrestrial life
Effects on microorganisms
Effect on buildings, monuments and materials
17.3.6. Acid Rain Areas
In India
17.3.7. Acid Rain Control
17.4. Ocean Acidification
17.4.1. Other contributors
17.4.2. Effects of Ocean Acidification
Reduced Buffering Capacity
Adversely Affects Marine Calcifying Organisms
Impact of Ocean Acidification on Cloud Formation
Q. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
Which of statements given above is / are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Artificial Cloud seeding
17.5. Aerosols from Air Pollution and their Impact on Monsoon Rainfall
17.5.1. Aerosols
17.5.2. Impact of Aerosols on Monsoon
17.5.3. Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL) – Negatively Affects Indian Monsoon
17.5.4. Impact of Aerosols on Regional Rainfall Patterns
17.5.5. Summary
Mains 2015: How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanising landscapes? Discuss.
Impact on Monsoons
High concentration of condensation nuclei disrupts regional patterns of Indian monsoons
17.6. Ozone Depletion
17.6.1. Halogen Atoms Like Chlorine Destroy Ozone
17.6.2. Polar Vortex Acts as the Transportation System for Halogens
Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)
The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for ozone depletion at poles?
Explanation:
Question: The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for ozone depletion at poles?
18. Prevention and Control of Air Pollution
18.1. Control of Industrial Pollution
18.1.1. Filters
18.1.2. Electrostatic precipitators (ESP)
Working
18.1.3. Inertial collectors
18.1.4. Scrubbers
18.1.5. Catalytic converter
Apart from the use of the above-mentioned devices, other control measures are:
18.1.6. Pollution Index to Control Industrial Pollution
Categories of Industrial Sectors Based on Pollution Index
Examples of category of industries
18.1.7. Coal Gasification
18.2. Measures Taken to Control Vehicular Pollution in India
18.2.1. BS VI from 2020
Bharat Stage (BS) norms
India’s UNFCCC commitments (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions)
Differences between BS IV and BS VI
Advantages of BS VI vehicles and fuel
Impact
18.2.2. Electric Mobility
Phase-II of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (& Hybrid) Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme
EV Charging Guidelines to Encourage EV Adoption
Electric Vehicle Charging Guidelines and Specifications
Tax incentives
Scepticism Surrounding Adaptation of Electronic Mobility
Challenges for the automobile industry
Will electric vehicles reduce carbon emission?
18.2.3. Green Tax on Old Vehicles
Polluters Pay Principle
18.3. National Clean Air Program (NCAP)
NGT has Criticised NCAP Plan
Other Criticism of NCAP
Q. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 – 250 words).
18.4. National Air Quality Monitoring Programme
18.4.1. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
18.4.2. SAFAR System for Monitoring Air Pollutants
18.4.3. National Air Quality Index (AQI)
Q. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: b) 2, 3 and 4 only
18.5. Measures Taken to Control Air Pollution in the National Capital Region
18.5.1. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Actions Under GRAP
Severe+ or Emergency (PM 2.5 over 300 µg/cubic metre or PM10 over 500 µg/cu. m. for 48+ hours)
Severe (PM 2.5 over 250 µg/cu. m. or PM10 over 430 µg/cu. m.)
Very Poor (PM2.5 121-250 µg/cu. m. or PM10 351-430 µg/cu. m.)
Moderate to poor (PM2.5 61-120 µg/cu. m. or PM10 101-350 µg/cu. m.)
Other measures
Has GRAP helped?
Measures to Reduce Stubble Burning
PUSA Decomposer
Super Stubble Management Systems (Super SMS) and Happy Seeders
18.5.2. Smog Towers
18.6. Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) by Gujarat for Trading in Particulate Matter
18.6.1. How does Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) work?
Why was Surat chosen for the scheme?
18.7. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to reduce Household Pollution
18.7.1. Prevention and Control of Indoor Air Pollution
18.8. Other Measures
18.8.1. Green crackers
18.8.2. Government Initiatives to Reduce SO2 emissions
Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) systems
18.9. National & International Measures to Regulate Ozone Depleting Substances
18.9.1. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
Compliance
Q. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?
Explanation:
Answer: b)
18.9.2. Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol 2016
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
India’s position
18.9.3. HFO Alternatives to HFCs
Comparison: CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs & HFOs
18.9.4. The Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Rules
India phases out of ozone depleting HCFC-141b
Closure of Hindustan Fluorocarbons Limited (HFL)
19. Water Pollution and Marine Pollution
Point and Non-Point Sources of Pollution
19.2. Causes of Water Pollution
19.2.1. Sewage Water
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Q. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (2017)
Answer: c)
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
Ammonia Pollution in Sewage
19.2.2. Industrial Wastes
The Central Water Commission (CWC) report on Heavy Metals in Surface Water
What’s the concern?
19.2.3. Agricultural Sources
19.2.4. Thermal and Radiation Pollution
19.2.5. Invasive species
19.2.6. Ground Water Pollution
Underground Water Pollution
Contaminated Drinking Water
Nitrates
Trace metals
Arsenic
Arsenic Affected Habitations
Arsenic Poisoning
Fluoride
Uranium Contamination
The impact of Uranium on health
Guidelines in India
19.2.7. Freshwater Salinization Syndrome (FSS)
Relevance of the findings
What is Freshwater Salinization Syndrome (FSS)?
Causes
Effects
Solutions
Q. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation:
Answer: c) 1, 3 and 5 only
19.3. Marine Pollution
19.3.1. Oil Spills
Recent Incidents of Oil Spills
Impact of oil spill on marine life
19.3.2. Marine plastic pollution
19.3.3. Convention on Dumping of Wastes at Sea
1996 Protocol
2006 Amendments to the Protocol
19.3.4. The United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea
International Seabed Authority
19.3.5. International Maritime Organization
Ballast Water Management Convention (2004)
Bunker Convention (2001)
Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan
20. Water Pollution Effects and Control Measures
20.1. Effects of Water Pollution
20.1.1. Effects of Water Pollution on Human Health
20.1.2. Effects of Water Pollution on the Environment
20.1.3. Effects of Water Pollution on Aquatic Ecosystem
Ocean warming, overfishing increase methylmercury toxin in fish
Methylmercury
20.1.4. Eutrophication – Ageing of Lakes
20.1.5. Eutrophication and Algal Bloom
Phytoplankton
Chlorophyll
Types of Chlorophyll
Mechanism
Harmful Algal Blooms
20.1.6. Effects of Eutrophication
World’s oceans have less oxygen today
Dead zones
Q. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystems? (2018)
20.1.7. Blue Tide
What is Bioluminescence?
Why do they glow?
Is the Blue Tide harmful?
20.2. Water Pollution Control Measures
20.2.1. Bioremediation
In situ bioremediation
Q. Recently, ‘oilzapper’ was in the news. What is it?
Ex situ bioremediation
Advantages of bioremediation
Disadvantages of bioremediation
Bioremediation of Arsenic
Q. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Bioremediation is limited to biodegradable compounds. Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Phytoremediation
20.2.2. Sewage Water Treatment for Domestic Use
Coagulation / Flocculation
Sedimentation
Filtration
Disinfection
Fluoridation
pH Correction
Removal of iron
Removal of arsenic
20.2.3. Bio-Toilets
Terms associated with Bio-Toilets
Anaerobic Biodegradation System
Anaerobic Gas Lift Reactor (AGR)
Anaerobic digester
Benefits
Q. With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2
The Disadvantages of Aerobic Biodegradation
The Advantages of Anaerobic Biodegradation
EcoSan toilets
20.2.4. Swachh Bharat Mission
Performance of the mission
Swachh Iconic Places
Implementation
Places selected for implementation
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
20.2.5. Swachh Bharat Mission II
20.2.6. Riparian buffers for Mitigation of Eutrophication
21. Radioactive Pollution
21.1. Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation
21.2. Non-Ionizing Radiation
21.2.1. Impact of Non-Ionizing Radiation from Mobile Phone Towers
Health Impacts
Impact on birds
21.3. Ionising Radiation
21.3.1. Biological Damage Due to Ionizing Radiation
21.3.2. Radiation Dose
21.3.3. The Damage Potential of Radiation Particles
Half-Life – Period of Radioactivity
21.4. Accidents at Nuclear Power Plants
21.5. Safe Disposal of Nuclear Wastes
21.5.1. Some Proposed Methods of Disposing Nuclear Waste
22. Solid Wastes
22.1. Sources of Solid Waste
22.1.1. Industrial solid wastes
Q. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following? (2020)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: a) all
Inadequate Infrastructure
22.1.2. Residential and Commercial Waste
Commercial Waste
Construction & Demolition Sites
22.1.3. Bio-Medical Waste
22.1.4. Plastics and Micro-Plastics
The Plastic problem
Microplastics
Q. Why is there a great concern about the microbeads that are released into environment?
Answer: a)
Microplastics in drinking water not a health risk for now
Plastic waste in road construction
22.2. Effects of Plastic Waste
22.2.1. Impact on Environment
22.2.2. Other Impacts
22.3. Issues with Treatment & Disposal of Solid Waste
22.3.1. Open dumps
Inadequate Infrastructure
22.3.2. Landfills
22.3.3. Sanitary landfills
22.3.4. Incineration plants
22.3.5. Pyrolysis
Q. In the context of which one of the following are the terms pyrolysis and plasma gasification mentioned? (2019)
Explanation:
Answer: d)
22.3.6. Composting
22.3.7. Vermiculture
22.3.8. Waste to Energy Plant
Advantages of WTE plants
Challenges associated with Waste-to-Energy plants in India
22.4. Measures Taken to Manage Solid Waste
22.4.1. Solid Waste Management Rules (2016)
Segregation at Source
Collect Back scheme for packaging waste
User Fees for Collection
Waste Processing & Treatment
Promotion of Waste to Energy
Revision of Parameters
Q. As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
Answer: c)
Constitution of Central Monitoring Committee
Promoting Use of Compost
Some other features
22.4.2. Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016
Salient features of BMW Management Rules, 2016
Procedure to be followed
Problems of unscientific Bio-medical waste disposal
Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities
22.4.3. Waste Minimization Circles (WMC)
22.4.4. Composite Waste Management Index: 2.0
23. Hazardous Waste
23.1. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
23.1.1. Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, 2018
23.1.2. Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (Organochlorides / Perfluoro Chlorides)
Applications of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (CHC) / Perfluoro Chlorides
Effects of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (CHC)
23.1.3. Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs)
23.1.4. Endosulfan
Ban on Endosulfan
Hazardous Effects of Endosulfan
23.2. Laws, Conventions and Rules that Regulate Hazardous Waste
23.2.1. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
Important Listed substances
23.2.2. Basel Convention
Shortcomings of Basel Convention: Toxic colonialism in the name of recycling
Basel Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention
Mains Practise: “There can be no excuse for using the developing world as the dumping ground for the toxic effluent of the affluent.” Examine this statement in the light of Basel Ban Amendment. (250 Words)
23.2.3. Rotterdam Convention
23.2.4. Joint meetings of Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions
COP14 to Basel Convention
COP9 to Stockholm Convention
Dicofol
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
COP9 to Rotterdam Convention
23.2.5. Hong Kong Convention
23.2.6. Recycling of Ships Bill
Ship recycling
Requirements for ships
National Authority
Recycling facilities
Recycling process
Key Benefits of the bill
23.2.7. Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016
Salient Features
Import & Effort of Hazardous Waste
Amendment of 2019
Salient Features
23.2.8. Rules for Disposal of Cigarette Butts
24. Electronic waste | E-WASTE
24.1. Source and Health Effects
24.2. E-Waste to Increase by 2030
24.2.1. E-Waste in India
24.3. Heavy Metal Toxicity & Methods of Their Prevention
24.3.1. Lead
What causes Lead Poisoning?
Other sources
24.3.2. Mercury
24.3.3. Arsenic
24.3.4. Cadmium
24.3.5. Other Heavy Metals
Q. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation:
Answer: b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
24.4. E-Waste Management Rules, 2016
Q. In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
Answer: c) e-waste
Salient Features
Amendment in 2019
Salient Features
25. Land Degradation
25.1. Major Causes for Land Degradation
25.1.1. Deforestation
Major Causes of Deforestation
Shifting cultivation
Development project and Mining
Plantation Boom
Raw Materials
Other Causes
Effects of Deforestation
25.1.2. Overgrazing
25.1.3. Faulty Methods of Agriculture
25.1.4. Soil Salinity and Soil Alkalinity
Q. Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? (2018)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Effects of salinity and alkalinity
Steps to treat salinity and alkalinity
25.1.5. Desertification
Ecological implications of desertification
Measures for Controlling Desertification
25.1.6. Waterlogging
25.1.7. Water Erosion
Raindrop erosion or Splash Erosion
Sheet erosion
Rill and gully erosion
Streambank erosion
Landslide
Coastal erosion
Groyne for coastal protection
Glacial erosion
25.1.8. Wind Erosion
25.2. Addressing Land Degradation and Desertification
25.2.1. Soil Conservation
Crop Rotation
Strip Cropping
Use of Early Maturing Varieties
Contour Ploughing
Checking Shifting Cultivation
Ploughing the Land in Right Direction
Mulching
Benefits
Contour barriers
Rock Dam
Terrace farming
Contour Bunding
Intercropping
Contour ploughing
Shelterbelts or Windbreaks
Sand fences
Afforestation
Checking Overgrazing
Dams
Geotextiles
Q. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint? (2020)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation:
 Hot mix asphalt involves liquefying coal tar by burning. 4) is eliminated
 Portland cement has higher limestone content (calcium carbonate). When limestone is heated in a cement or brick kiln it releases CO2. 5) is eliminated ( a) is the answer
 Cold mix asphalt technology uses unheated mineral aggregate with foamed bitumen. It does not require any heating and is causes less pollution.
 Copper slag is a key by-product in the manufacturing process of copper, with very similar physical properties of conventional sand.
 Globally, the copper slag is used in cement manufacturing, cement concrete applications, bricks, etc..
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
25.3. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
25.3.1. Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) initiative
25.3.2. UNCCD CoP-14 in New Delhi
Only 25% nations include gender discussions in land degradation targets
Report on Soil Organic Carbon
25.3.3. UNCCD Global Land Outlook Report
Loss of cropland due to urbanization
Biodiversity loss
Increasing meat consumption across the world has put great pressure on land.
Water scarcity
Drought
Cost
Land for Energy Sources
25.3.4. Desertification from Conservation Perspective
Importance of reversing land degradation
Effects of land degradation on people
25.4. Desertification Setting in Across a Quarter Of India
25.4.1. Regional causes behind desertification and degradation
25.4.2. The case of Goa
Deforestation due to illegal mining
Soil degradation due to leeching of harmful chemicals
Apathy in environmental governance
25.4.3. Desertification in cold areas
25.4.4. India lost 31% of grasslands and 19% of common lands in a decade
25.4.5. State of India's Environment (SoE) Report 2019
Q. The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 – 150 words).
25.5. Bonn Challenge
25.5.1. India and Bonn Challenge, Paris Agreement
25.5.2. Meeting targets through Compensatory Afforestation
Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2017
Challenges
Increasing tree cover outside forest areas
Challenges
Agroforestry and community engagement could be a viable option
26. Global Warming and Climate Change
26.1. Greenhouse effect and Global Warming
26.1.1. Greenhouse Effect
26.1.2. Importance of Natural Greenhouse Effect
26.1.3. Natural vs. Human Induced Greenhouse Effect
26.1.4. How do Scientists’ Study Past Global Warming and Climate Changes Events?
Tree rings record earth’s climate
Ice cores from cryosphere
26.2. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and Global Warming
26.2.1. Global Warming Potential (GWP) & Lifetime of Green House Gases
26.2.2. Carbon Dioxide
How much Carbon is there on the Earth?
26.2.3. Ozone
Q. Consider the following: (2019)
Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
Explanation:
Answer: d) all
26.2.4. Water Vapour
Q. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs
Explanation:
Answer: d) the infrared part of the solar radiation (outgoing radiation).
26.2.5. Methane
Methane emissions from Global Food Systems
26.2.6. Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Human Emissions of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is Increasing
26.2.7. Black Carbon (Soot)
26.2.8. Fluorinated Gases
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Hydrofluorocarbons
Perfluorocarbons
Sulphur Hexafluoride
26.2.9. Carbon Monoxide
26.3. Carbon Footprint
26.3.1. Carbon Footprint of various Sectors
26.3.2. State Wise Carbon Emissions in India
Carbon watch for Climate Smart Citizens
26.4. Climate Sensitivity
26.4.1. Feedbacks Drive Uncertainty
Permafrost
Water vapour
Clouds
26.5. International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2021 Report
26.5.1. India Energy Outlook 2021
26.5.2. International Energy Agency (IEA)
26.6. UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2020
26.6.1. Findings from the Emission Gap Report 2020 on key aspects
26.6.2. Solutions
26.6.3. Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2021
26.7. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
26.7.1. IPCC Assessment Reports (AR)
The IPCC has three working groups
Special Reports
26.7.2. Special Reports on Global Warming of 1.5 °C (SR1.5 – October 2018)
26.7.3. Special Report on Climate Change and Land (SRCCL – August 2019)
26.7.4. IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC)
Ocean warming
Sea Level Rise
Cryosphere
Suggested Solutions
26.7.5. What is Carbon Budget?
26.7.6. Land use patterns and climate change
The contribution of land use patterns to climate change
27. Impact of Global Warming
27.1. Increased Frequency and Severity of Heatwaves
27.1.1. Heat Wave
Global Warming and Heat Waves
27.1.2. Urban Heat Islands
Causes Behind Urban Heat Islands
Q. Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (2013)
Urban heat islands at night
Albedo of different surfaces
27.1.3. Heat Domes
Omega Block
27.1.4. Effects of Heat Wave
27.2. Marine Heat Waves
Similar Topic in Mains 2019: How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment? Give suitable examples? (Answer in 250 words)
27.2.2. IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) on Marine Heat Waves
Marine heat waves
Impact on marine productivity
Impact on weather patterns
More severe cyclonic storms
27.3. Increased Incidence of Wildfires
27.3.1. Australia’s Bushfires are Getting Severe
Pyrocumulonimbus clouds
Criticism of Australia’s climate policy
27.3.2. Wildfires and Zombie Fires Have Reached the Tundra Region
Concerns
27.4. Shrinking Cryosphere
Role of Cryosphere
27.4.2. Consequences of Shrinking Cryosphere (Glaciers)
Surge-Type Glaciers and Disasters
27.4.3. New Sea Routes in The Arctic region
New Opportunities
Challenges associated with the new opportunities
Q. How does the cryosphere affect global climate? (2017)
Q. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? (2018)
Q. What is the economic significance of discovery of oil in the Arctic Sea & its possible environmental consequences? (2015)
27.5. Sea Level Change
27.5.1. Processes that cause Change in Sea Level
27.5.2. Changes in Global Sea Level
Short-term sea level change due to a complex interaction of the following factors
Long-Term
27.5.3. Importance of understanding Sea Level Changes
27.5.4. Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding due to Global Warming
IPCC: Extreme floods to increase economic loss 166 times in coastal megacities
A similar study says:
27.5.5. Vulnerable areas in India
Q. 'Climate change' is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017)
27.5.6. Regional Sea Level Rise (SLR)
How much of a threat is SLR?
What are some ways of protecting against SLR?
27.5.7. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are the Biggest Losers
Barbados Programme of Action (1994)
Mauritius Strategy (2005)
27.6. Tropical Cyclones are Becoming More Severe
27.6.1. Unusual Timing & High Frequency
27.6.2. The number and intensity of tropical cyclones is increasing in the Arabian Sea
Increased occurrence of Severe cyclonic storms
Unusual timing
Changing path
Mains Practise: What are the consequences of Global Warming (anthropogenic impact) on the Indian weather conditions?
27.7. Deterioration of Carbon sinks
27.7.1. Carbon Dioxide Fertilization
27.7.2. Carbon Dioxide Fertilization is increasing carbon sink on land
Q. Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”? (2018)
Answer: a)
27.8. Climate Migrants
27.8.1. World Risk Index (WRI) 2020
High And Low Risk Nations
27.9. Other Impacts
27.9.1. Economic Losses
Q. Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the (2020)
Answer: a)
27.9.2. Ocean Deoxygenation
Effects of deoxygenation of oceans
27.9.3. Biodiversity Loss
27.9.4. Food and Health Security at Risk
28. Climate Change Mitigation
28.1. Clean coal technology to reduce CO2 Emissions
28.1.1. India’s coal
28.2. Carbon capture and storage
28.3. Carbon Sink and Carbon Sequestration
28.3.1. Carbon Sink vs Carbon Source
28.3.2. Carbon sequestration
28.3.3. Forests as carbon Sinks
28.3.4. Oceans as Carbon Sink
Q. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation:
Answer: d) all
Q. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: b) 1 and 2 only
28.4. Geoengineering to Fight Climate Change
28.4.1. Solar Radiation Management (SRM) or Solar Geoengineering
Q. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere? (2019)
Explanation:
Answer: d) reducing the global warming
28.4.2. Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) or Carbon Geoengineering
28.4.3. Forests for Carbon Geoengineering
28.4.4. Artificial snow
28.5. Transition Away from Coal
28.5.1. Current phaseout efforts
28.5.2. Barriers to Phasing Out Coal Power
Livelihood impacts
Stranded assets
Electricity prices
Irresponsible financing
28.6. Climate Smart Cities
28.6.1. Measures Required to Reduce the Heat-Retaining Nature of Cities
28.6.2. Cooling Singapore – A Case Study
Components of ‘Cooling Singapore’
28.6.3. Measures Taken in India
Climate-Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF)
Climate-Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF 2.0)
Q. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 – 250 words).
Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA)
Some of the benefits of a green building are
28.7. Transition to Green Economy
28.7.1. Measures to Adapt Green Economy
28.7.2. Green Contracts
Green tender
Advantages
Concerns
29. International Environmental Conventions, NGOs and Laws – Part I
Nature conservation
Land
Marine environment
Atmosphere
29.2. United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (1972)
29.2.1. Stockholm Declaration
29.3. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) or UN Environment
29.3.1. Agencies Established/Monitored/Supported/Implemented by UNEP
29.3.2. Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Areas of work
The GEF Also Serves as Financial Mechanism for The Following Conventions:
The GEF works with18 agencies. Notable ones among them are:
Q. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: a)
Agencies Funded by GEF
Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) – 2001
Least Developed Countries Fund – 2001
Global Wildlife Programme
Q. Consider the below statements about Global Wildlife Programme (GWP):
Correct Answer: B
29.3.3. Multilateral Fund (MLF) for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol
29.3.4. Faith for Earth Initiative
29.4. UNCED or Earth Summit 1992, Rio De Janeiro Brazil
29.4.1. Post UNCED
Q. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?
Explanation:
Answer: a)
29.4.2. Significance of Earth Summit 1992
Landmark Agreements
29.4.3. High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
29.4.4. UN Agenda 21
Q. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: a) 1 only
29.4.5. UN Agenda 2030 – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 2: Zero hunger
"End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture".
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
"Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all."
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
"Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all."
Goal 8: Jobs and Growth
Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)
Q. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at (2018)
Answer: b)
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
"Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable."
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
"Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns."
Goal 13: Climate action
"Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy."
Goal 14: Life below water
"Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development."
Goal 15: Life on Land
“Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss."
29.4.6. The History of Sustainable Development Goals
Brundtland Commission
Q. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (2019)
Rio+5 (1997)
Rio+10 (2002) or Earth Summit 2002
Rio+20 (2012) or Earth Summit 2012
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 2 only
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Millennium Development Goals by 2015
29.5. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
29.5.1. Conferences of the Parties (COP) to UNFCCC
List of UNFCCC Summits
29.5.2. Criticisms of the UNFCCC (Failures of UNFCCC)
29.6. Kyoto Protocol (COP 3; UNFCCC Summit 1997)
The Kyoto Protocol Emission Target Gases
29.6.2. What is Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) – Kyoto Protocol?
29.6.3. Classification of Parties and their commitments – Kyoto Protocol
29.6.4. What is Commitment Period? Doha Amendment to Kyoto Protocol
Criticism of Kyoto Protocol
29.7. Flexible Market Mechanisms Under Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Flexible Market Protocol mechanisms include:
Expected Benefits of Flexible Market Mechanisms
29.7.2. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
29.7.3. Carbon Credits Trading (Carbon Trading/Emission Trading)
Carbon credit
Carbon trading
Types of Carbon Trading
Emission trading/'cap-and-trade'
Offset Trading/ Carbon Project / 'baseline-and credit' trading
29.7.4. Joint Implementation (JI) – Kyoto Protocol
Q. Regarding "carbon credits", which one of the following statements is not correct?
Explanation:
Answer d)
29.7.5. Non-Compliance of Kyoto and Penalties
29.7.6. Issues with the Flexible Market Mechanisms (Carbon Markets)
29.7.7. Proposed: Carbon Tax as An Alternative to Carbon Trading
(Proposed) Differential Global Carbon Tax (DGCT)
(Proposed) Finance Energy Transition (FET – similar to DGCT)
The Need for A Differential Global Carbon Tax?
Is Differential Global Carbon Tax a Globally-Just Policy?
Q. Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth. (2014)
Carbon Tax vs. Carbon Trading (Cap-and-Trade): Which is Better?
29.7.8. India Has a Carbon Tax of Sorts
National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF)
30. International Environmental Conventions, NGOs and Laws – Part II
30.1. Important UNFCCC Summits Post Kyoto
30.1.1. Summits Prior to Paris
Bali (Indonesia) Climate Change Conference 2007 (COP 13; CMP 3)
Poznan (Poland) Climate Change Conference 2008 (COP 14; CMP 4)
Copenhagen (Denmark) Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP 15; CMP 5)
Cancún (Mexico) Climate Change Conference 2010 (COP 16; CMP 6)
Durban (Denmark) Climate Change Conference 2011 (COP 17; CMP 7)
Green Climate Fund
Q. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: a) 1 only
Doha (Qatar) Climate Change Conference 2012 (COP 18; CMP 8)
Warsaw (Poland) Climate Change Conference 2013 (COP 19; CMP 9)
Lima (Peru) Climate Change Conference 2014 (COP 20; CMP 10)
Developed vs. Developing
30.1.2. Summits Post Paris
Marrakech (Morocco) Climate Change Conference 2016 (COP22; CMP12; CMA1)
30.2. Paris Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP 21; CMP 11)
30.2.1. Paris Agreement
 Ratification: Once the treaty has been signed, each state will deal with it according to its own national procedures. After approval has been granted under a state’s own internal procedures, it will notify the other parties that they consent to be bound by the treaty. This is called ratification.
30.2.2. Climate Neutral Now
Q. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2 only
Q. Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by (2018)
Answer: c)
Q. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Answer: b)
30.2.3. China-U.S. Deal on Emission Cuts and Pressure on India
30.3. Net Zero Emissions & Carbon Neutrality
30.3.1. How Can Net Zero Emissions Be Achieved?
30.3.2. European Green New Deal
30.3.3. India’s Objection to Net Zero
30.4. Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC)
30.4.1. The main points of contention on INDCs
Inclusion of Adaptation, finance & transfer of technology
Commitment Period
Ex-post Review
30.4.2. India’s INDC objectives
How can the emission reduction target be achieved?
How can the renewable target be acheived?
How can the afforestation target be achieved?
How to augment the water resource?
30.4.3. Money required to meet India’s INDC
Tax free infrastructure bonds
National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC)
30.5. Others
30.5.1. UN-REDD and REDD+
Q. Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation:
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 (UPSC Official Key)
30.5.2. Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
Objectives
30.5.3. BioCarbon Fund Initiative
30.5.4. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)
Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs)
Benefits of Reducing SLCPs
Cool Coalition
30.5.5. Global Climate Change Alliance + (GCCA+)
30.5.6. Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)
30.5.7. GHG Protocol
30.5.8. Arctic Council
Q. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Explanation
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Q. ‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustain-able Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the
Q. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Q. Consider the following countries:
Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council’?
Answer: d)
Q. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? (2016)
Answer: a)
Q. With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture (GACSA)’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2018)
Select the correct answer using the code given
31. National Environmental Legislation – Part I
31.1. Pollution Related Laws
31.1.1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and Amendment, 1988
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
31.1.2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act of 1977
31.1.3. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 and amendment, 1987
Important provisions of this Act
31.2. Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 (EPA, 1986)
31.2.1. The Objectives of EPA
31.2.2. The main provisions of the Act
Q. Consider the following statements: The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 2 only
31.2.3. Rules for Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989
Presently there are six committees:
Q. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
Answer: c) EPA
31.2.4. National Ganga Council or NRGBA
Erstwhile National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)
Composition of NGRBA
Other Members:
Q. Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given Below.
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
31.3. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
31.3.1. EIA Process and Procedures
 Steps in EIA process (EIA process is cyclical with interaction between the various steps):
Environment Management Plan
Environmental Appraisal
EIA of Coasts
Single window clearance
The Main Participants Of EIA
31.3.2. Composition of the expert committees for EIA
31.3.3. Benefits of EIA
31.3.4. Shortcomings of Environmental Impact Assessment
Applicability
Composition of expert committees and standards
Public hearing
Quality of EIA
Lack of Credibility
Case Study
Q. ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to (2016)
Answer: d)
31.3.5. Recommendations to improve EIA process
31.3.6. Salient Features of 2006 Amendment to EIA Notification
Amendment to EIA Notification 2006 in Respect of Bulk Drugs and Intermediates
Amendment to EIA Notification 2006 for EC Waver for Oil and Gas Exploration
Why now?
Do the new amendments apply to development and production also?
Criticism
31.3.7. EIA 2020 Notification Draft
31.3.8. Issues with Draft EIA 2020
Ex Post Facto Clearance of Projects
Exclusion of Projects from Prior Environmental Clearance
Exclusion of Projects from Public Consultation
Q. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 – 250 words).
31.4. Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 (WPA, 1972)
Q. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? (2017)
Explanation:
Answer: a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger (Bengal Tiger’s IUCN status is ‘Endangered’).
Q. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law? (2017)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation:
Answer: d) all
Q. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (2020)
Answer: a) a license is required
31.4.2. Amendments
31.4.3. Delineation of Powers under the Act
Monkeys Declared ‘Vermin’ in Himachal
31.4.4. Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
31.4.5. National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
History of National Board for Wildlife
Members of National Board for Wildlife
Duties and Powers
Standing Committee of NBWL
31.4.6. Wildlife Advisory Board (State Board for Wildlife – SBWL)
Duties
31.5. Indian Forest Act 1927 (IFA, 1927)
31.5.1. Reserve Forest
31.5.2. Protected Forest
31.5.3. Village Forest
31.5.4. Criticism
31.5.5. Draft Indian Forest Act, 2019
31.6. Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980
31.6.1. Are Forests That Are Not Notified Protected Under Forest Act?
The responsibility and powers of states
31.6.2. Development vs Conservation
Case studies
Case 1
Case 2
Q. Prelims practise: Statements:
Which of the above statement(s) are false?
Explanation:
Answer: D) None
31.7. Biodiversity Act 2000
31.7.1. Salient features of the biodiversity legislation
Q. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
32. National Environmental Legislation – Part II
32.1. Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA 2006)
32.1.1. Salient Features
The FRA act identifies 4 types of rights
Criteria to claim rights under FRA
Gram Sabha
Q. Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects. (2016)
32.1.2. Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWH)
2011 Guidelines by MoEF
August 2018 Guidelines by MoEF
Key features of guidelines
How do the guidelines dilute FRA?
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: 1 and 2 only.
32.1.3. Community Forest Resources Guidelines
32.2. National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
32.2.1. Members of NGT
32.2.2. Jurisdiction
32.2.3. Powers
32.2.4. Principles of Justice adopted by NGT
Review & Appeal
32.2.5. Success of NGT
32.2.6. Challenges faced by NGT
Q. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: a)
Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2 only
32.3. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules
32.3.1. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules 2011
CRZ-I
CRZ-II
CRZ-III
CRZ-IV
32.3.2. CRZ Rules 2019
32.3.3. Draft Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Why is there a need for ICZM?
32.3.4. Activities Permitted in the CRZ of Certain Beaches
Blue Flag Beaches
Blue Flag Beaches in India
13 pilot beaches have been identified by MoEF for the certification
8 Indian Beachesgot the certification in October 2020
BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services)
Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM)
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
Enhancing Coastal & Ocean Resource Efficiency Program (ENCORE)
32.3.5. Issues with the way the CRZ rules are executed
Maradu Apartments Demolition Order
Implications
Ecological Implications
Economic Implications: Builders, Buyers and the state, all lost money
Moral implications: Who is at fault? Who paid the price?
Municipal Authorities
Builders
Buyers
Judiciary
Legal: Ambiguity surrounding the CRZ rules
Mains Practise
32.4. Laws to Protect Against Chemical Disasters in India
32.4.1. State of Chemical Disaster Risk in India
32.4.2. Strict vs Absolute Liability Principle
The Supreme Court’s Intervention
32.5. Pesticide Regulatory Regime in India
32.5.1. Pesticides Management Bill 2020
Need for a fresh law
Pesticide usage in India
Recommendations
States must be empowered to ban certain pesticides
Pesticide promotion must not be allowed
Class I pesticides should be banned
Personal protective gear
Polluter Pays
Give powers to Union Ministry of Health
32.5.2. There is a near total collapse of pesticide regulation mechanism in India
2020 Notification on Draft ban order
Notable pesticides in the list of 27 proposed-to-be-banned pesticides
Q. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as
Answer: a)
Deemed to be Registered Pesticides or DRPs
32.6. India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
32.6.1. National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
Targets are set for three phases
Q. ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the (2016)
Explanation: Net Metering
Answer: a)
Domestic content controversy
Q. To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry? (2015)
Types of PV Modules
32.6.2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
1) Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT)
Assigning energy reduction targets to large energy intensive industries and distributing Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) on achievement of the targets. These ESCerts can then be traded.
2) Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE)
Promoting adoption of energy efficient equipment and appliances through innovative business models.
3) Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP)
Increasing the confidence of financial institutions and investors to support energy efficiency initiatives.
4) Framework for Energy Efficiency Economic Development (FEEED)
Promoting energy efficiency initiatives by hedging against investment risks.
Energy Conservation Act 2001
Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Q. On which of the following can you find the BEE Star Label? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: d) all
Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
ECO Niwas Samhita 2018
Stars & Labelling Programme (BEE Star Label)
Mandatory Appliances as of March 2019
Voluntary Appliances as of March 2019
Chiller Star Labelling Program
What are Chillers?
UJALA & SLNP
New Energy Performance Standards for ACs
Benefits of “24 °C default setting” for ACs
Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER)
Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All)
32.6.3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
32.6.4. National Water Mission (NWM) Mission
32.6.5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)
32.6.6. National Mission for A Green India (Green India Mission)
The intended major outcomes of the project
National Mission on Seabuckthorn
Q. Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: c) 3 only
Q. Government of India encourages the cultivation of 'sea buckthorn'. What is the importance of this plant?
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
32.6.7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
Soil Health Management (SHM)
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme
What Soil Health Card contains?
32.6.8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)
Indian Network on Climate Change Assessment
National Communication (NATCOM)
32.6.9. National Bio-Energy Mission
33. Green Revolution, Sustainable and Modern Agricultural Practises
33.1. India’s First Green Revolution
33.1.1. Introduction of High Yielding Varieties (HYV)
33.1.2. Use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides
33.1.3. Mechanization of Agriculture
33.1.4. Irrigation
33.2. Second Green Revolution for Sustainable Livelihood
33.2.1. Need for the Second Green Revolution
Q. What are the major factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India? (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 – 150 words).
Q. How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering & agricultural science respectively? (2019)
33.2.2. What We Want from Second Green Revolution
33.2.3. Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI)
Government Initiatives to Strengthen BGREI
33.2.4. Making Second Green Revolution a Success
Precision Agriculture
Efficient Use of Water
Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Q. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)
33.3. The Concept of Sustainable Agriculture
33.4. Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
33.4.1. Components of ZBNF
Mixed cropping or Diverse cropping
Advantages of Mixed cropping
Monoculture
33.4.2. Other Sustainable Practises for ZBNF & Agriculture in General
Crop rotation
Crop rotation takes into amount the following factors:
Mixed Farming
Soil Management
Vermicomposting (Palekar opposes the use of vermicompost in ZBNF)
Nutrient Management
Nitrogen (N)
Phosphorus (P)
Potassium (K)
Others
33.5. Organic Farming
33.5.1. The Present Status of Organic Farming in India
Q. Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economic benefits of Organic State? (2017)
33.5.2. Initiatives to promote Organic Farming in India
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER)
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY)
National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS)
Advantages of PGS over third-party certification
Limitations of PGS
33.5.3. Large Area Certification
Advantages of LAC Over Old Certification Process
Why were Car Nicobar & Nancowry group of Islands certified LAC?
33.5.4. Summary
Q. With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
33.5.5. Bio-Fertilizers are a Key Aspect of Organic Farming
Rhizobium biofertilizer
Azotobacter biofertilizer
Azospirillium biofertilizer
Blue green algae
Q. Consider the following organisms
Which of the above is / are used as biofertilizer / biofertilizers
Answer: b) 2 only
Azolla biofertilizers
Phosphorus solubilizing biofertilizer
Mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizer
Q. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer: d) all
Compost Tea
Bio char
Agricultural Benefits of Bio char
Kollam, Kerala, is famous for fishing and fishery-related activities; as an agricultural sector, it does not evoke any enthusiasm. Why?
Other Environmental Benefits
33.6. Modern Agricultural Practices
33.6.1. Precision Farming for Productivity and Sustainability
What is precision farming?
Micropropagation
High density planting
Geoinformatics for Precision Farming
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Remote Sensing (RS) Technique
 Remote sensing is precision farming is used for crop yield modelling, identification of pests and disease infestation, soil moisture estimation, irrigation monitoring, assessment of crop damage, etc.
Q. For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation:
Answer: d) all
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Internet of things
Future strategy
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Biological control includes
Cultivation practices
Disadvantages of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
33.6.2. Protected Cultivation of Horticulture Crops
Green House
Poly House
Hydroponics
Advantages of hydroponics
More yield in a smaller patch of land
Allows one to tailor crops as per market demand and this reduces wastage
Significantly reduced water usage yet superior yield
Better quality control and better environment
Better nutritional value of crops
Better cultivation techniques & application of sci & tech
Opportunities
Disadvantages of Hydroponics
Capital-intensive
Needs uninterrupted power supply
Lack of awareness
Aquaponics
Aeroponics
Advantage of aeroponics over hydroponics
33.6.3. Genetically modified crops (GM Crops or Biotech Crops)
Genetically Modified Organism (Transgenic Organism)
GM techniques are used in:
Genetically modified crops
Major GM Crops
Bt Cotton
Advantages
Problems with Bt Cotton
Pink Bollworm
Bt Brinjal
Golden rice
Benefits of GMO
Crops
Animals
Environment
Society
Issues Surrounding GMO
Safety
Access and intellectual property
Ethics
Labelling
Research
Effectiveness
Issues with banning GM crops
GMO have already entered the food chain
Illegal cultivation (Farmer’s rights vs. Government Regulation)
33.6.4. Various Agricultural Activities and Revolutions in Agriculture
Various Agricultural Activities
Mushroom culture
34. Sources of Energy
34.1. Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
34.1.1. India Energy Outlook 2021
Total Installed Power Capacity 
Installed Renewable Power Capacity
Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)
Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss (2017)
Q. Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (2016)
34.1.2. Major Energy Sources
Fuel
Production
Advantages
Limitations
Biomass
Advantages of biomass energy
Petro Crops (Plants)
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy in India
Environmental impact of geothermal energy
Tidal energy
34.1.3. Calorific Value of Various Sources of Energy
34.2. Solar Energy
Q. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Explanation:
34.2.2. International Solar Alliance
Targets
Delhi Solar Agenda
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: a) 1 only
34.2.3. One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)
34.3. Steps taken by India to increase the share of Solar Energy
Q. Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 – 250 words).
34.3.2. PM-KUSUM Scheme
Expected benefits of the PM-KUSUM Scheme
Criticism of PM-KUSUM Scheme
Union Budget 2020 sets new targets
34.3.3. Rooftop Solar (RTS) Programme
34.3.4. National Programme on Solar PV Modules
Expected Benefits
34.3.5. National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy
MoEF relaxed the lease norms for wind power projects
34.4. Biofuel
34.4.1. Generations of Biofuel
First Generation Biofuels
Second Generation Biofuels
Third Generation Biofuels
Fourth Generation Biofuel
Advantages of Biofuels
Increases life of Vehicle Engine
Less Carbon Emissions
Easy to Source
Economic Security
Lower Levels of Pollution
Cost-Benefit
Disadvantages of Biofuels
High Cost of Production and Future Price
Industrial Pollution
Changes in Land Use and Pollution
Biofuel is less suitable for use in low temperatures
34.5. Evolution of Indian Biofuels
34.5.1. National Policy on Biofuels 2018
The Highlights of the Policy are
Q. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme
E20 Fuel
34.6. Some Important Biofuels
34.6.1. Bioethanol
34.6.2. Biobutanol
34.6.3. Biodiesel
Biodiesel blend
Advantages of Biodiesel
Advantages over other alternative fuels (CNG, LNG, LPG and ethanol)
Biodiesel from (Used Cooking Oil) UCO
Harmful effects of UCO
34.6.4. Biogas
SATAT Initiatives
34.7. Hydrogen Economy
34.7.1. How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work?
34.7.2. Advantages of Hydrogen as Fuel
34.7.3. Disadvantages of Hydrogen as Fuel (Hydrogen is clean but its production is not)
34.7.4. Current Status of Hydrogen Economy in India
Hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG)
Q. In the context of the proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
 H-CNG reduces CO emissions. It does not eliminate it completely.
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
34.8. Cleaner Fuels
34.8.1. Methanol
Advantages of methanol as fuel
Methanol Economy
34.8.2. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
34.8.3. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
34.8.4. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
34.8.5. Biogas
34.9. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
Objectives
With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct?
Answer: c) Both 1 and 2
34.9.2. Challenges Faced in Renewable Energy Sources
Q. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 – 250words)
Smart Grid to Address the Challenges
The benefits associated with the Smart Grid include:
Hybrid Energy Systems
What does hybrid systems constitute?
How they work?
The cost advantages
Can hybrid systems substitute coal-fired power plants?
35. Water Conservation
35.1. Difference between Water Scarcity, Water stress and Water risk
Q. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?
Mains Practise: What is the difference between water scarcity and water stress? Describe the spatial pattern of water stress in India.
Water Requirement
35.2. India’s Water Situation
35.2.1. Per-Capita water situation
35.2.2. India’s groundwater situation
Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Causes for depletion
Effects
35.3. List of measures by the Central Government
35.3.1. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
Powers & Functions:
Regulatory Measures
NGT vs. CGWB
NGT Guidelines
Why such guidelines?
35.3.2. Central Water Commission
35.3.3. National Aquifer Mapping & Management Programme (NAMMP)
Objectives of Programme
35.3.4. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL)
Features of ATAL JAL Scheme
35.3.5. Failure of Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Reasons for the failure of Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Not much scientific planning went into JSA
Facile assumptions
Lack of long-term solutions
Q. What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. launches by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 – 250 words).
35.3.6. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
Jal Jeevan Mission (URBAN)
Objectives
35.3.7. BIS – Drinking Water Standards
BIS’ Public Drinking Water Supply Draft
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
35.3.8. National Hydrology Project (NHP)
35.4. Recommended Measures
35.4.1. Clean water sanctuaries
35.4.2. Sponge City Concept
What does a Sponge City need in practice? 
What are the benefits of a Sponge City? 
35.5. Droughts
35.5.1. What is Drought?
35.5.2. International Efforts for Drought Management
35.5.3. Drought Management in India
35.5.4. Way forward
35.5.5. Measures Required for Water Conservation
36. Biodiversity of India
India Represents
36.2. Realms
36.3. Biomes of India
36.4. Biogeographic Zones
36.5. Biogeographic Provinces
36.6. Wildlife Diversity of India
36.6.1. Himalayan mountain system
Himalayan Foothills
Western Himalayas (High Altitude Region)
Q. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?
Explanation:
Answer: a)
Eastern Himalayas
36.6.2. Peninsular – Indian sub-region
Peninsular India
36.6.3. Indian desert
36.6.4. Tropical Rain Forest Region
36.6.5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
36.6.6. Mangrove swamps of Sundarbans
36.7. Conservation Status and Range of Major Flora and Fauna of India
36.7.1. Mammals – Critically Endangered (CR)
Mammals – CR – Andaman White Toothed Shrew
Mammals – CR – Chinese Pangolin
Pangolins
Difference Between Chinese & Indian Pangolins
Mammals – CR – Himalayan Brown/Red Bear
Mammals – CR – Kashmir stag/hangul
Mammals – CR – Large Rock Rat or Elvira Rat
Mammals – CR – Malabar Civet
Mammals – CR – Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Flying Squirrel
Q. Consider the following:
Explanation:
Answer: b) 1, 3 and 4 only
36.7.2. Mammals – Endangered (EN)
Mammals – EN – Asiatic Lion (Panthera Leo Leo.)
Mammals – EN – Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. tigris)
Mammals – EN – Capped Langur
Mammals – EN – Dhole/Asiatic Wild Dog/Indian Wild Dog
Mammals – EN – Golden langur
Mammals – EN – Hispid hare / Assam rabbit
Mammals – EN – Hog deer
Mammals – EN – Kondana Rat (Millardia kondana)
Mammals – EN – Lion-tailed macaque/Wanderoo
Q. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?
Explanation:
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Mammals – EN – Nilgiri Tahr
Mammals – EN – Pygmy Hog
Mammals – EN – Red Panda
Mammals – EN – Sangai (Eld’s deer subspecies found only in Manipur)
Mammals – EN – Western Hoolock Gibbon
Mammals – EN – White-bellied Musk Deer
Mammals – EN – Wild Water Buffalo
36.7.3. Mammals – Vulnerable (VU)
Mammals – VU – Barasingha or swamp deer
Mammals – VU – Black panther
Mammals – VU – Bonnet macaque
Mammals – VU – Clouded leopard
Mammals – VU – Dugong (Sea Cow)
Q. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: c) 1 and 3
Mammals – VU – Eastern Hoolock Gibbon
Mammals – VU – Four-horned antelope/Chousingha
Mammals – VU – Gaur/Indian Bison
Mammals – VU – Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)
Mammals – VU – Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Mammals – VU – Mainland Serow
Himalayan Serow
Mammals – VU – Nilgiri Langur/ Nilgiri Leaf Monkey
Mammals – VU – Nilgiri Marten
Mammals – VU – Oriental small-clawed otter/Asian small-clawed otter
Mammals – VU – Smooth-coated otter
Mammals – VU – Snow Leopard
Mammals – VU – Stump Tailed Macaque
Mammals – VU – Takin
36.7.4. Mammals – Near Threatened
Mammals – NT – Assamese macaques
Mammals – NT – Chiru/Tibetan Antelope
Mammals – NT – Golden cat
Mammals – NT – Grizzled Giant Squirrel
Mammals – NT – Himalayan Goral
Mammals – NT – Himalayan Tahr
Mammals – NT – Indian Wild Ass/ Khur
Mammals – NT – Malayan Giant Squirrel
Mammals – NT – Marbled cat
Mammals – NT – Markhor
Mammals – NT – Rusty-Spotted Cat
36.7.5. Mammals – Least Concern (LC)
Mammals – LC – Asian palm civet
Mammals – LC – Barking deer
Mammals – LC – Bharal
Mammals – LC – Blackbuck/Indian Antelope
Mammals – LC – Caracal Cat
Mammals – LC – Common mongoose
Mammals – LC – Golden jackal
Mammals – LC – Indian Flying Fox (Greater Indian Fruit Bat)
Mammals – LC – Mouse Deer
Mammals – LC – Nilgai (Blue Bull)
Mammals – LC – Rhesus monkeys
Mammals – LC – Small Indian Civet
Mammals – LC – Spotted Deer (Chital)
Mammals – LC – Travancore flying squirrel
Mammals – LC – Wild Boar
36.7.6. Mammals – Not Evaluated (NE)
Mammals – NE – Himalayan wolf
36.7.7. Birds – Critically Endangered (CR)
Birds – CR – Bengal Florican
Birds – CR – Great Indian Bustard
Birds – CR – Himalayan Quail
Birds – CR – Jerdon’s Courser
Birds – CR – Pink Headed Duck
Birds – CR – Siberian Crane
Birds – CR – Sociable Lapwing
Birds – CR – Spoon Billed Sandpiper
Birds – CR – White-bellied Heron
36.7.8. Birds – Endangered (EN)
Birds – EN – Forest Owlet
36.7.9. Birds – Vulnerable (VU)
Birds – VU – Great Indian Hornbill
Q. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the `Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat? (2016)
Answer: d)
Birds – VU – Yellow-Throated Bulbul
36.7.10. Birds – Near Threatened (NT)
Birds – NT – Black Necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)
Q. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
Birds – NT – Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant
36.7.11. Birds – Least Concern (LC)
Birds – LC – Amur Falcon
Birds – LC – Bastar hill myna/Common Hill Myna
Birds – LC – The Himalayan bulbul/white-cheeked bulbul
36.7.12. Reptiles – Critically Endangered (CR)
Reptiles – CR – Northern River Terrapin/ Four Toed River Terrapin
36.7.13. Reptiles – Vulnerable (VU)
Reptiles – VU – Star Tortoise
What’s the difference between turtles and tortoises?
Q. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statement given above are correct?
Explanation:
Answer: d) all
36.7.14. Reptiles – Near Threatened (NT)
Reptiles – NT – Sispara Day Gecko
36.7.15. Reptiles – Least Concern (LC)
Reptiles – LC – Golden Gecko
Reptiles – LC – Tokay Gecko
36.7.16. Amphibians – Endangered (EN)
Amphibians – EN – Purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis)
36.7.17. Spiders – Critically Endangered (CR)
Spider – CR - Gooty Tarantula/Metallic Tarantula
Spider – CR – Rameshwaram Parachute Spider
36.7.18. Fish – Critically Endangered (CR)
Fish – CR – Hump Backed Mahseer
Fish – CR – Largetooth Sawfish
Fish – CR – Long-comb Sawfish/Narrow-snout Sawfish (Pristis zijsron)
Fish – CR – The Ganges Shark
Fish – CR – The Pondicherry Shark
Fish – CR – White spotted wedgefish/ Bottlenose wedgefish
36.7.19. Fish – Endangered (EN)
Fish – EN – Knifetooth Sawfish/Narrow Sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata)
36.7.20. Fish – Least Concern (LC)
Fish – LC – Blue-finned Mahseer
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2019)
Wildlife: Naturally found in
Which one of the pair given above are correctly matched?
Explanation:
Answer: c) 1 & 3 only
36.7.21. Insects
Insects – LC – Golden Birdwing (Troides aeacus)
36.7.22. Plants
Plants – CR – Eulophia Obtusa
Plants – EN – Globba Andersonii
Plants – EN – Red Sanders
Plants – VU – Indian Rosewood
36.7.23. Others
Reptiles – DD – Assam Keelback Snake
Amphibians – Kalinga Cricket Frog
Adaptive Mechanisms
37. Protected Area Network
37.1. National Parks of India
37.2. Tiger Reserves of India
Q. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under "Critical Tiger Habitat"?
Answer: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam > Sundarbans > Ranthambore; c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
37.3. Description of National Parks and Tiger Reserves
37.3.1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Campbell Bay & Galathea National Parks (Great Nicobar)
Mahatama Gandhi Marine National Park (South Andaman)
Mount Harriett National Park (Near Port Blair; South Andaman)
Rani Jhansi Marine National Park
Saddle Peak National Park
37.3.2. Andhra Pradesh
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Papikonda National Park
Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park
Sri Venkateswara National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary
37.3.3. Arunachal Pradesh
Kamlang Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Mouling National Park
/
Namdapha Tiger Reserve, National Park
Major Fauna
Pakke (Pakhui) Tiger Reserve
37.3.4. Assam
Dihing Patkai National Park, Elephant Reserve
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, National Park
Major Fauna
Manas Tiger Reserve, National Park
Major Fauna
Nameri Tiger Reserve, National Park
Rajiv Gandhi Orang Tiger Reserve, National Park
Raimona National Park
37.3.5. Bihar
Valmiki Tiger Reserve, National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary
37.3.6. Chhattisgarh
Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Guru Ghasidas National Park
Indravati Tiger Reserve, National Park
Kanger Valley National Park
Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve
37.3.7. Goa
Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
37.3.8. Gujarat
Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) National Park
Vansda (Bansda) National Park
37.3.9. Haryana
Kalesar National Park
Sultanpur National Park
37.3.10. Himachal Pradesh
Great Himalayan National Park
Inderkilla National Park
Khirganga National Park
Pin Valley National Park
Simbalbara National Park
37.3.11. Jammu & Kashmir
City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park
Salim Ali (1896-1987)
Dachigam National Park
Kishtwar National Park
37.3.12. Ladakh
Hemis National Park
37.3.13. Jharkhand
Betla National Park and Palamu Tiger Reserve
Palamu Tiger Reserve
37.3.14. Karnataka
Anshi National Park and Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve
Kali Tiger Reserve (Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve)
Bandipur Tiger Reserve, National Park
Bannerghatta National Park
Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Kudremukh National Park
Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) Tiger Reserve, National Park
Q. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: (Hill in Kannada ( Betta; Telugu ( Konda; Tamil ( Malai); c) All except Papikonda NP
37.3.15. Kerala
Anamudi Shola National Park
Sholas
Eravikulam National Park
Mathikettan Shola National Park
Pambadum Shola National Park
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Periyar Tiger Reserve, National Park, Elephant Reserve
Silent Valley National Park
37.3.16. Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, National Park
Dinosaur (Ashmadha) Fossils National Park
Indira Priyadarshini Pench Tiger Reserve, National Park
Kanha Tiger Reserve, National Park
Q. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasinga) that thrives well in hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous (grass eating)?
Answer: a)
Madhav National Park
Mandla Plant Fossil National Park
Panna Tiger Reserve, National Park
Sanjay National Park, Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve, National Park
Van Vihar National Park
37.3.17. Maharashtra
Bor Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Melghat Tiger Reserve, Gugamal National Park
Nawegaon National Park
Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve
Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) National Park
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Chandoli National Park, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Tadoba National Park
37.3.18. Manipur
Keibul-Lamjao National Park
37.3.19. Meghalaya
Balphakram National Park
Nokrek Ridge National Park
37.3.20. Mizoram
Dampa Tiger Reserve
Murlen National Park
Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park
37.3.21. Nagaland
Intanki National Park
37.3.22. Odisha
Bhitarkanika National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramsar Site
Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary
Chilika Lake Ramsar Site & Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
Chilika Development Authority (CDA)
Avi Fauna
Major Fauna
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Simlipal Biosphere Reserve, Tiger Reserve, National Park
37.3.23. Punjab
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary
37.3.24. Rajasthan
Desert National Park
Q. With reference to India's Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below;
Answer: Usually, no human settlements are allowed in a National Park. But there are some exceptions. c) 1 & 3 only.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, National Park
Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, National Park
Sariska Tiger Reserve, National Park
37.3.25. Sikkim
Khangchendzonga National Park, Biosphere Reserve
37.3.26. Tamil Nadu
Annamalai (Indira Gandhi) Tiger Reserve, National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary
Guindy National Park
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary
Mukurthi National Park
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve
37.3.27. Telangana
Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Chenchu tribe
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park
Kawal Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park
Mrugavani National Park
37.3.28. Tripura
Bison (Rajbari) National Park
Clouded Leopard National Park
37.3.29. Uttar Pradesh
Amangarh Tiger Reserve (buffer of Jim Corbett TR)
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, National Park
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
37.3.30. Uttarakhand
Gangotri National Park
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Jim Corbett National Park
Terai Arc Landscape Program
Nanda Devi National Park
Rajaji Tiger Reserve, National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park
Q. Which one of the following national parks lies completely in the Temperate alpine zone?
37.3.31. West Bengal
Buxa Tiger Reserve, National Park
Gorumara National Park
Jaldapara National Park
Neora Valley National Park
Singalila National Park
Sunderban Tiger Reserve, National Park
37.4. Wildlife Sanctuaries of India
37.5. Description of Major Wildlife Sanctuaries
37.5.1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
37.5.2. Andhra Pradesh
37.5.3. Arunachal Pradesh
37.5.4. Assam
37.5.5. Bihar
37.5.6. Chandigarh
37.5.7. Chhattisgarh
37.5.8. Goa
Mahadayi Water Dispute
37.5.9. Gujarat
37.5.10. Haryana
37.5.11. Himachal Pradesh
37.5.12. Ladakh UT
37.5.13. Jammu & Kashmir UT
37.5.14. Jharkhand
37.5.15. Karnataka
37.5.16. Kerala
37.5.17. Lakshadweep
37.5.18. Madhya Pradesh
37.5.19. Maharashtra
37.5.20. Manipur
37.5.21. Meghalaya
37.5.22. Mizoram
37.5.23. Nagaland
37.5.24. Odisha
37.5.25. Puducherry
37.5.26. Punjab
37.5.27. Rajasthan
37.5.28. Sikkim
37.5.29. Tamil Nadu
37.5.30. Telangana
37.5.31. Tripura
37.5.32. Uttar Pradesh
37.5.33. Uttarakhand
Q. Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Answer: Musk Deer’s natural habitat lies in the forests of the Middle Himalayas. a) 1 & 2 only
37.5.34. West Bengal
37.6. Biosphere Reserves
37.6.1. UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
37.6.2. Biosphere Reserves of India
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
Manas Biosphere Reserve
Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
Similipal Biosphere Reserve
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
Q. Which one of the following are Agasthyamala biosphere reserve?
Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
Great Rann of Kutch Biosphere Reserve
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve
Panna Biosphere Reserve
37.6.3. Salient Flora/Fauna of the Biosphere Reserves of India
Name
Key fauna
37.6.4. Natural World Heritage Sites in India (December 2020)
37.7. Elephant Reserves of India
37.7.1. East-Central Landscape (South-West Bengal – Jharkhand – Orissa)
Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve – West Bengal
Singhbhum Elephant Reserve – Jharkhand
Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve – Odisha
Mahanadi Elephant Reserve – Odisha
Sambalpur Elephant Reserve – Odisha
Baitami (Brahmani-Baitarani) Elephant Reserve – Odisha
South Orissa Elephant Reserve – Odisha
Lemru Elephant Reserve – Chhattisgarh
Badalkhol-Tamorpingla Elephant Reserve – Chhattisgarh
37.7.2. Kameng-Sonitpur Landscape (Arunachal – Assam)
Kameng Elephant Reserve – Arunachal Pradesh
Sonitpur Elephant Reserve – Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
37.7.3. Eastern-South Bank Landscape (Assam – Arunachal)
Dihing-Patkai Elephant Reserve – Assam
South Arunachal Elephant Reserve – Arunachal Pradesh
37.7.4. Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong-Intanki Landscape (Assam – Nagaland)
Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve – Assam
Dhansiri-Lungding Elephant Reserve – Assam
Intanki Elephant Reserve – Nagaland
Singphan Elephant Reserve – Nagaland
37.7.5. North Bengal-Greater Manas Landscape (Assam – West Bengal)
Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve – Assam
Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve – West Bengal
Dooars or Duars
37.7.6. Meghalaya Landscape
Garo Hills Elephant Reserve – Meghalaya
Khasi-hills Elephant Reserve – Meghalaya
37.7.7. Brahmagiri-Nilgiri-Eastern Ghat Landscape (Karnataka – Kerala – Tamil Nadu – Andhra)
Mysore Elephant Reserve – Karnataka
Wayanad Elephant Reserve – Kerala
Nilgiri Elephant Reserve – Tamil Nadu
Nilgiri Elephant Corridor
Rayala Elephant Reserve – Andhra Pradesh
Nilambur Elephant Reserve – Kerala
Coimbatore Elephant Reserve – Tamil Nadu
Anamalai-Nelliampathy – High Range Landscape (Tamil Nadu – Kerala)
Anamalai Elephant Reserve – Tamil Nadu
Anamudi Elephant Reserve – Kerala
37.7.8. Periyar-Agasthyamalai Landscape (Kerala – Tamil Nadu)
Periyar Elephant Reserve – Kerala
Srivilliputhur Elephant Reserve
37.7.9. North-Western Landscape (Uttarakhand – Uttar Pradesh)
Shivalik Elephant Reserve
Uttar Pradesh Elephant Reserve
37.8. Tiger, Leopard and Elephant population by state