PMF IAS Environment

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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 Outdated question.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? Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. Q15. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. Explained under “Air Pollution” Q20. Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below Answer: a) 1 and 2 Q5. 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. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below Answer: c) 1 and 3 only Q18. With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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’? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. Answer: b) 2, 3 and 4 only Q15. Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? Select the correct answer using the code given Below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below. 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: Q12. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry? Select the correct answer using the code given below: Q13. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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) Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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? Select the correct answer using the code given below: Answer: a) Q6. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following? Select the correct answer using the code given below: Answer: d) Q7. 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: a) Q8. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? Select the correct answer using the code given below: Answer: d) all Q9. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 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