UPSC PYQs: Environment
Review complete published questions grouped by subject: Environment.
Other qualifying subject groups
- Agriculture72 published questions
- Analytical Ability7 published questions
- Ancient History7 published questions
- Art & Culture28 published questions
- Art and Culture5 published questions
- Bandaya Literature3 published questions
- Basic Numeracy63 published questions
- Communication Skills6 published questions
- CSAT862 published questions
- Cultural History68 published questions
- Current Affairs18 published questions
- Dalit Literature12 published questions
- Dalit-Bandaya Literature6 published questions
- Dasa Literature26 published questions
- Data Interpretation5 published questions
- Disaster Management18 published questions
- Drama2 published questions
- Economy172 published questions
- Economy & Agriculture2 published questions
- Economy & Social Development45 published questions
- Education5 published questions
- Energy3 published questions
- Environment61 published questions
- Environment & Ecology231 published questions
- Essay5 published questions
- Ethics233 published questions
- Ethics Case Study12 published questions
- Feminist Literature2 published questions
- Folklore34 published questions
- General Studies115 published questions
- Geography239 published questions
- Geography & Agriculture16 published questions
- Governance64 published questions
- History81 published questions
- History & Art and Culture22 published questions
- History & Culture147 published questions
- Indian Economy95 published questions
- Indian Economy & Development21 published questions
- Indian Polity37 published questions
- Indian Polity & Governance116 published questions
- Indian Society10 published questions
- Infrastructure3 published questions
- Internal Security56 published questions
- International Relations115 published questions
- International Relations & Current Affairs9 published questions
- International Relations & Security9 published questions
- Kannada Linguistics37 published questions
- Kannada Literary History4 published questions
- Kannada Literature111 published questions
- Literary Criticism35 published questions
- Literary Theory4 published questions
- Logical Reasoning76 published questions
- Medieval History9 published questions
- Medieval Kannada Literature52 published questions
- Modern History8 published questions
- Modern India History7 published questions
- Modern Indian History18 published questions
- Modern Kannada Drama12 published questions
- Modern Kannada Literature39 published questions
- Modern Kannada Novel9 published questions
- Modern Kannada Poetry3 published questions
- Modern Kannada Prose8 published questions
- Modern Kannada Short Story6 published questions
- Numeracy64 published questions
- Old Kannada Literature38 published questions
- Philosophy12 published questions
- Poetics33 published questions
- Polity153 published questions
- Polity & Governance67 published questions
- Post-Independence History2 published questions
- Post-Independence India6 published questions
- Progressive Literature7 published questions
- Quantitative Aptitude62 published questions
- Reading Comprehension120 published questions
- Reasoning44 published questions
- Science & Technology251 published questions
- Social Issues8 published questions
- Social Justice45 published questions
- Society92 published questions
- Urbanization2 published questions
- Vachana Literature32 published questions
- World History11 published questions
Questions
- Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India's commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples.2026 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
- What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives.2026 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Solid Waste Management, Delhi and Indore
- What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?2025 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage
- Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard?2025 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Seawater Intrusion
- Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.2025 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Mining and Environmental Hazards
- Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022?2025 · Mains GS3 · Environment · India Climate Commitments
- Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could meet poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.2025 · Mains GS1 · Environment · Sustainable Growth and Poverty
- Industrial river pollution is significant in India. Discuss mitigation measures and government initiatives.2024 · Mains GS3 · Environment · River Pollution
- What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing EIA outcomes for major projects in India?2024 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Environmental Impact Assessment
- Discuss three alternative technologies that can address the global shortage of clean and safe freshwater.2024 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Freshwater Technologies
- With reference to biosphere reserves in India, which of the following statements is correct?2024 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Protected Areas
- What is oil pollution? Explain its impact on marine ecosystems and why it is especially harmful for India.2023 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Oil Pollution
- Comment on India’s National Wetland Conservation Programme and name important Ramsar wetlands.2023 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Wetland Conservation
- Assess the impact of projected sea-level rise on India and other countries in the Indian Ocean region.2023 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Sea Level Rise
- Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence.2022 · Essay · Environment · Forests and Economic Excellence
- Discuss in detail photochemical smog, emphasising its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol.2022 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Photochemical Smog and Gothenburg Protocol
- Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve this objective?2022 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Renewable Energy
- Discuss global warming and mention its effects on global climate. Explain control measures to bring down greenhouse gases in light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.2022 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Global Warming and Kyoto Protocol
- Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What coastal management techniques are available for combating the hazard?2022 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Coastal Erosion
- Which of the following statements about Ramsar sites in India is/are correct?2022 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Ramsar Wetlands
- Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines recently released by the World Health Organisation. 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?2021 · Mains GS3 · Environment · WHO Air Quality Guidelines 2021
- How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?2020 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Draft EIA Notification 2020
- What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?2020 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Jal Shakti Abhiyan
- What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme initiated by the Government of India?2020 · Mains GS3 · Environment · National Clean Air Programme
- Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples.2019 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Coastal Sand Mining
- Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region.2019 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Carrying Capacity
- Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.2018 · Essay · Environment · Climate Resilient Technology
- Management of Indian border disputes: a complex task.2018 · Essay · Environment · Border Disputes
- What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes that are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes accumulating in our habitable environment?2018 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Solid Waste
- What are the consequences of spreading of Dead Zones on marine ecosystem?2018 · Mains GS1 · Environment · Dead Zones
- What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of wise use in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.2018 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Wetlands
- How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?2018 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Biodiversity Act
- Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India.2017 · Essay · Environment · Agrarian Distress
- Consider the following statements in respect of TRAFFIC: 1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under UNEP. 2. Its mission is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to conservation of nature. Which statement(s) is/are correct?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Wildlife Trade
- In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development. Discuss.2017 · Mains GS1 · Environment · Coal Mining
- We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws.2017 · Essay · Environment · Natural Laws
- 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.2017 · Mains GS3 · Environment · River Linking
- How does the cryosphere affect global climate?2017 · Mains GS1 · Environment · Cryosphere
- In solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation? 1. It cleans pollution by enhancing natural biodegradation. 2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated using microorganisms. 3. Genetic engineering can create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Bioremediation
- In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?2017 · Mains GS1 · Environment · Flood Management
- Climate change is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How will Himalayan and coastal states of India be affected by climate change?2017 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Climate Change
- What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia?2017 · Mains GS1 · Environment · Monsoon Climate
- If there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be the likely consequence/consequences? 1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected. 2. There could be a drastic increase in fungal infections of some cultivated plants. 3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Ecology and Food Webs
- It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what are likely limitations for developing countries? 1. Production is possible in seas only and not on continents. 2. Setting up and engineering production requires high expertise/technology. 3. Economically viable production needs large-scale facilities that may raise ecological and social concerns.2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Biofuels
- In mitigating global warming due to anthropogenic CO2, which can be potential sites for carbon sequestration? 1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams 2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs 3. Subterranean deep saline formations2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Carbon Capture and Storage
- The term Domestic Content Requirement is sometimes seen in the news with reference to2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Solar Policy
- According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted except under provisions provided by law? 1. Gharial 2. Indian wild ass 3. Wild buffalo2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Wildlife Protection
- With reference to Global Climate Change Alliance, consider: 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into development policies and budgets. 3. It is coordinated by WRI and WBCSD.2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Climate Finance and Cooperation
- Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Water Pollution
- Consider: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique G20 initiative. 2. It focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons. Which is/are correct?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
- If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which is the best place to visit?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Gharial Habitat
- Which practices can help in water conservation in agriculture? 1. Reduced or zero tillage 2. Applying gypsum before irrigation 3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Water Conservation in Agriculture
- The term M-STrIPES is sometimes seen in the news in the context of2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Tiger Conservation
- If a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Wildlife Protection
- There was a proposal to translocate some lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which site?2017 · Prelims GS1 · Environment · Asiatic Lion Conservation
- 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 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Rehabilitation and Resettlement
- Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga programmes and causes of mixed results from previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?2015 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Namami Gange
- Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy need for economic growth.2014 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Carbon Credits
- Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impact of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads.2014 · Mains GS3 · Environment · EIA and Thermal Plants
- What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forest’s concept of GO and NO-GO zones for the coal mining sector.2013 · Mains GS3 · Environment · Illegal Mining
- 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 and handling of hazardous wastes in India.2013 · Mains GS3 · Environment · National Water Policy