Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. “Forests are not just ecological assets but social safety nets for rural communities”. Comment. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question Forests are increasingly seen not just as environmental resources but as livelihood lifelines, with recent studies and policies highlighting …
Syllabus: Environment Source: DTE Context The WHO–WMO report Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress (2025) highlights how rising global temperatures are creating a severe occupational health and productivity crisis. With 2024 the warmest year on record (1.45°C above pre-industrial levels), both outdoor and indoor workers face growing risks. Key Findings of the WHO–WMO Report Productivity …
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Q2. What is ecological carrying capacity? How can it be used as a spatial planning tool in Indian cities and hill towns? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Rapid ecological …
Q7. As the District Commissioner of Wayanad, Kerala, you are responsible for a district renowned for its lush, pristine forests and vibrant tourism sector. This year, however, the region faced unprecedented challenges due to exceptionally heavy rainfall, which far exceeded meteorological predictions. On one night of July, while residents of the Vellarimala hill ranges slept, …
Syllabus: Environment Impact Assessment Source: IE Context: The Supreme Court of India struck down (Vanashakti v. Union of India) the Centre’s 2017 notification and 2021 SOP that allowed retrospective environmental clearances to industries, calling them unconstitutional and violative of the right to a clean environment. About Retrospective Environmental Clearances: Definition: Ex-post facto or retrospective green …
Topic: Technology missions Q5. Why is the adoption of decentralised renewable energy crucial for agricultural mechanisation? Evaluate its role in reducing input costs and boosting farmer incomes. Examine long-term sustainability impacts. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question With rising focus on rural energy access and low-carbon agriculture, decentralised renewable energy (DRE) …
Topic: Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India) Q2. Explain the geographical factors driving the localisation of data centres. Examine the energy security concerns arising from this localisation. Analyse the role of renewable energy integration in making data centres sustainable. (15 M) …
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Q4. Discuss the role of universities as knowledge hubs for sustainable development. Examine how rankings can incentivise this role. Evaluate the institutional reforms required in India to realise this potential. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the …
Topic: Social empowerment Q1. Environmentalism in India reflects the evolving social consciousness of the nation. Examine this statement. Assess how environmental movements have shaped societal values in India. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question: At a recent talk at the National Centre of Biological Sciences, a Bengaluru-based writer and historian spoke …
Topic: Environment & ecology Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, Q6. Emerging pollutants pose a complex challenge to environmental governance. Define emerging pollutants and identify their major sources. Analyse their ecological and health impacts, and suggest measures to address the challenges posed by these pollutants in India. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the …
Topic: Environment & ecology Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, Q5. Assess the role of indigenous knowledge systems in biodiversity conservation. How can they be mainstreamed into national policy frameworks? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Increasing focus on integrating indigenous knowledge in biodiversity policies amid global climate and ecological crises. Key …
Topic: Environmental impact assessment. Q5. “Environmental Impact Assessments have become procedural rather than precautionary”. Critically analyse. Suggest measures to make EIAs outcome-oriented. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the Question: Frequent dilution of EIA norms, controversies around EIA 2020 Draft, and environmental disasters like Joshi math have reignited debates over the effectiveness of …
Syllabus: Governance Source: UN Context: The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS) is in the spotlight as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) works to finalize it by December 2025. This strategy aims to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss by leveraging high-quality, accessible environmental data for informed decision-making and …
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Source: DTE Context: COP16 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) secured a landmark agreement on biodiversity funding, committing $200 billion annually by 2030 to conservation efforts. A major outcome was the launch of the Cali Fund, ensuring fair benefit-sharing from genetic resources used in industries like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. About Cali Fund: What is …
Syllabus: International Relations Source: ANI Context: External Affairs Minister emphasized India’s commitment to Africa through capacity-building, skill development, and infrastructure investment, unlike extractive economic models. About Japan-India-Africa Forum: What is the Japan-India-Africa Forum? A trilateral economic and strategic platform promoting investment, trade, and development projects across Africa. Facilitates collaboration between India, Japan, and African nations …
Context: Nigeria’s plastic bottle collectors are transforming waste into economic opportunities, addressing both pollution and unemployment. About Nigeria’s Waste-to-Wealth Model: Informal Waste Collection as a Business: Plastic bottle collectors turn waste into economic value, creating employment and income opportunities. Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Model: Education: Higher education improves business approach towards waste collection. Family Size: …
Syllabus: Environment & Economics Source: DTE Context: The Global South, including India, struggles to secure adequate climate finance despite COP29 commitments. Establishing a Green Bank in India offers a market-driven solution to support sustainable development and decarbonization. What Are Green Banks? Green Banks are mission-driven financial institutions designed to accelerate clean energy adoption and fight …
Source: News on Air Context: Masali village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district has become India’s first fully solar-powered border village under the PM Suryaghar Yojana. About Masali Village: Location: Banaskantha district, Gujarat, 40 km from the Pakistan border. Solarisation Scheme: Solar rooftops installed on 119 houses under the PM Suryaghar Yojana, generating over 225 kilowatts of …
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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, …
