Environment & Biodiversity

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.

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.

What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) ? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change ?

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.

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 ?

Examine the major sources of industrial effluents contaminating Indian river systems. What technological and regulatory interventions are required for zero liquid discharge (ZLD)?

Evaluate the role of environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local community stakeholders in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in India.

Discuss the consequences of climate change on food security in tropical countries. What adaptation practices can mitigate these shocks?

Explain the purpose and importance of COP28 UAE Consensus regarding the tripling of global renewable energy capacity and transition away from fossil fuels.

What is coastal regulation zone (CRZ) notification? How does CRZ 2019 balance economic development with coastal ecological preservation?

Explain the causes and consequences of coastal erosion in India. How does the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) assess vulnerability?

Discuss the concept of "Panchamrit" pledges announced by India at COP26 Glasgow. How do these commitments align with the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)?

Each year Delhi-NCR suffers from catastrophic air pollution during the winter season. Critically analyze the interplay of agricultural, industrial, and meteorological factors and evaluate CAQM's interventions.

Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO). How are these different from its 2005 guidelines?

Explain the purpose and value of the Glasgow Climate Pact agreed upon at COP26. Analyze India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Discuss the menace of plastic pollution in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Evaluate the efficacy of the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021 in phasing out single-use plastics.

How does the draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

Explain the causes and consequences of depletion of mangroves in coastal regions of India. Highlight the role of the MISHTI scheme in mangrove restoration.

Analyze the significance of the Paris Agreement's Article 6 regarding international carbon markets. How can carbon credit trading incentivize emission reductions in India?

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.

Coastal sand mining, both legal and illegal, is posing serious threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining on river mouths and coastal ecosystems.

Assess the impact of electronic waste (e-waste) generation in India. Critically examine the implementation of E-Waste (Management) Rules.

How does biodiversity vary in India along the climatic gradients? What are the key anthropogenic pressures threatening biodiversity hotspots in Western Ghats and Himalayas?

What are the key provisions of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017? How do they decentralize wetland protection to the states?

Solid Waste Management continues to be an acute urban challenge. Critically evaluate the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

'Climate change' is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India a affect a particularly vulnerable state?

'The Namami Gange project aims at comprehensive river conservation.' Analyze the multi-sectoral interventions underway to clean River Ganga and evaluate the progress achieved.

Discuss the concept of wildlife corridors. How do they mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and assist in genetic exchange among isolated animal populations?

Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the major environmental and social impacts of developmental projects. Discuss with examples from river valley projects.

Give an account of the consequences of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement (COP21). What are the main commitments made by India under its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)?

Analyze the causes and impacts of rising instances of forest fires in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Suggest mitigation measures.

Explain the concept of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted under the UNFCCC. How does India's climate action plan reflect climate justice?

Discuss the ecological and socio-economic importance of wetlands in India. Why are urban wetlands rapidly vanishing and what are the conservation strategies?

Examine the problem of electronic waste (e-waste) management in India. How can the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle enforce corporate accountability?

Environmental clearance process in India is often perceived as an impediment to economic development. Critically analyze how the EIA process can balance environmental protection with ease of doing business.

Examine the recommendations of the Madhav Gadgil Committee and Kasturirangan Committee on the Western Ghats ecology. Why has the declaration of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) faced stiff resistance from local communities?

What is climate finance? Discuss the deadlock between developed and developing countries regarding the 100 billion dollars annual climate fund promised under the Copenhagen Accord.

Analyze the causes and consequences of rapid loss of biodiversity in India. What are the objectives of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the role of National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)?

Analyze the causes and impacts of rising pollution levels in River Yamuna despite substantial expenditure on the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP). Suggest lasting ecological solutions.

Examine the phenomenon of coral bleaching. What are the climatic and anthropogenic triggers leading to the destruction of coral reefs in Lakshadweep and Gulf of Mannar?