Source: TOI Subject: Environment Context: A new IIT Madras–led study published in Science Advances shows that air pollution aerosols are intensifying and prolonging winter fog over north India. About Aerosols: What they are? Aerosols are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere, often invisible to the naked eye, that strongly influence air quality, …
Source: IE Subject: Environment Context: Recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows that secondary pollutants now account for nearly one-third of Delhi’s annual PM2.5 load. About Secondary Pollutants: What are secondary pollutants? Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly from a source; instead, they are formed in the atmosphere …
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Q2. Examine the link between deteriorating air quality and extreme heat in India’s urban regions. Why does this interaction create compound climate-health hazards? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Recent …
Source: HT Subject: Environment Context: The Delhi government has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breached 400, entering the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season. About Graded Response Action Plan: What it is? The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a dynamic …
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features Q2. Fine particulate matter has become the new agent of slow violence in India’s cities. Discuss its major sources. Analyse how it affects the urban microclimate and human health. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Easy Reference: DTE Why the question: The persistent urban smog episodes in India’s major cities and …
Source: IE Context: As Diwali approaches, discussions around the environmental impact of fireworks have resurfaced, with experts highlighting that green crackers—though less polluting—are not entirely clean. About Green Crackers: What it is? Green crackers are eco-modified firecrackers developed by CSIR–NEERI to reduce emissions of particulate matter, toxic gases, and noise levels compared to conventional fireworks. …
Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. Identify the key reasons behind persistence of stubble-burning despite repeated interventions. How can technology-driven solutions address them? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question The Supreme Court–Centre debate on stubble-burning and recurring winter pollution in North India makes it a …
Topic: Temperature Inversion Q2. Explain the conditions favouring temperature inversion. Explain its ecological and health impacts in India. What strategies can be adopted to mitigate its effects in urban areas? (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Frequent winter smog episodes in Indian cities like Delhi have drawn attention to temperature inversion …
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation. Q6. Examine the major causes of India’s high particulate pollution levels. Assess its combined impact on health, agriculture, and economic productivity. Propose multi-level strategies to address the challenge. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Easy Reference: TH Why the question The AQLI 2025 report highlighted that all Indians breathe air worse …
Context: A recent study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that secondary pollutants, especially ammonium sulphate, account for nearly 34% of PM2.5 pollution in India. About Secondary Pollutant: What are Secondary Pollutants? Secondary pollutants are not directly emitted but are formed in the atmosphere when primary pollutants (like SO₂, …
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …
Syllabus: Pollution Source: IE Context: The lack of self-reliance in India’s air pollution strategy has come under scrutiny following global disruptions in climate research and continued foreign-led studies on India’s pollution crisis. About India’s Air Pollution Strategy Needs Atmanirbharta: India’s Air Pollution: Data & Status Global Rankings: Over 12 Indian cities consistently rank among the …
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Syllabus: Environment Source: IE Context: Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis has highlighted the severe impact of air pollution on public health, the environment, and socio-economic conditions, emphasizing the urgency for collective measures to mitigate this issue. What is Air Pollution? Air pollution refers to the contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances, such as gases, …
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …
Source: TH Context: Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana heavily pollutes NCR air. While satellites monitor fires, farmers burning outside detection windows raise concerns about tracking methods and government measures. About Satellites Used to Track Stubble Burning: NASA Satellites: Aqua (2002) and Suomi-NPP (2011) with MODIS and VIIRS instruments detect fires via visible and infrared …
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …
Syllabus: Science and Technology, Air Pollution Source: DTE Context: Stubble burning, especially in northern India, contributes significantly to air pollution and haze during October and November. Despite government measures, the practice persists due to economic and operational challenges faced by farmers. Stubble Burning Stubble burning is the deliberate setting of fire to crop residue after …
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …
Source: IE Context: Pusa-44, a high-yield rice variety from the IARI, has been widely grown in Punjab and Haryana for decades. However, its long maturation period has contributed to stubble burning, causing severe air pollution in northern India. To mitigate this, IARI introduced Pusa-2090, a new variety with similar yields but a shorter maturation time, …
