Environment & Biodiversity
Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards? (150 words) [2021]
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released revised guidelines for air quality, known as the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). These guidelines provide recommended levels…
Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (150 words) [2021]
The Green Grid Initiative, also known as the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative, was launched at the World Leaders Summit of the…
What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (250 words)
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is an ambitious initiative launched by the Government of India to tackle the problem of air pollution in the…
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? (250 words)
There are several benefits of generating electric energy from sunlight compared to conventional energy generation methods. Some of these benefits include: In order to accelerate…
What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (150 words)
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a campaign launched by the Government of India in 2019 for water conservation and water security in the country. The…
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (150 words)
The draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) differs from the existing EIA Notification,…
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. (250 words)
Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals or population that an ecosystem can support without causing any damage to its structure or function. It…
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. (150 words)
Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, is a significant threat to the environment as it leads to various environmental issues such as erosion, loss…