UPSC MAINS TOPIC WISE PAPER : Environment

1. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (UPSC 2020)
2. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (UPSC 2020)
3. What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (UPSC 2020)
4. 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. (UPSC 2019)
5. Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (UPSC 2019)
6. What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC 2018)
7. What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.  (UPSC 2018)
8. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC 2018)
9. ‘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? (UPSC 2017)
10. Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (UPSC 2017)
11. 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. (UPSC 2016)
12. 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). (UPSC 2016)
13. The Namami Gange and National mission for clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?(UPSC 2015)
14. 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.(UPSC 2014)
15. Environmental impact assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before project is cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at Pitheads.(UPSC 2014)
16. What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and forests' concept of "GO AND NO GO" zones for coal mining.(UPSC 2013)
17. Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions for management  and handling of hazardous wastes in India?(UPSC 2013)
18. What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?(UPSC 2013)
19. Explain the concepts "Environmental Sustainability" and "Sustainable Development of People".(UPSC 2012)
20. Explain briefly the "Clean Development Mechanism" as provided under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).(UPSC 2012)
21. What is Permaculture? Give at least three common examples where permaculture concepts are being put to use.(UPSC 2012)
22. Given the accelerated pace of development and demand for energy, would you consider renewable energy as a viable option for India's future?(UPSC 2012)
23. Analyse critically the interlinkages between the Convention on Biological Diversity and FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.(UPSC 2012)
24. Examine the causes and the extent of 'desertification' in India and suggest remedial measures.(UPSC 2012)
25. In the context of the growing demands for the ban of Endosulfan in the country, critically examine the issues involved. What, in your view, should be done in the matter?(UPSC 2012)
26. The issue of tourism in core areas of tiger reserve forests in the country is a subject matter of debate. Critically examine various aspects of this issue, keeping in view relevant recent judicial pronouncements.(UPSC 2012)
27. The impact of climate change on water resources in India.(UPSC 2011)
28. Phase-IV of the tiger monitoring programme in India.(UPSC 2011)
29. The diminishing population of vultures(UPSC 2011)
30. 'Billion Acts of Green(UPSC 2011)

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