Environment and Conservation PYQ | UPSC GS III

2026

1. · Paper Q8 · 2026 · 10 marks · Solution

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.

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2025

2. · Paper Q7 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

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

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3. · Paper Q8 · 2025 · 10 marks · Solution

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?

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4. · Paper Q13 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater?

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5. · Paper Q17 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

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.

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6. · Paper Q18 · 2025 · 15 marks · Solution

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?

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2024

7. · Paper Q7 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's initiative in this regard.

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8. · Paper Q8 · 2024 · 10 marks · Solution

What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.

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2023

9. · Paper Q8 · 2023 · 10 marks · Solution

What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?

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10. · Paper Q15 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?

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11. · Paper Q17 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.

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12. · Paper Q18 · 2023 · 15 marks · Solution

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?

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2022

13. · Paper Q6 · 2022 · 10 marks · Solution

Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products ?

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14. · Paper Q17 · 2022 · 15 marks · Solution

Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.

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2021

15. · Paper Q6 · 2021 · 10 marks · Solution

Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at 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) ?

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16. · Paper Q17 · 2021 · 15 marks · Solution

Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?

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2020

17. · Paper Q7 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

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

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18. · Paper Q8 · 2020 · 10 marks · Solution

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

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2019

19. · Paper Q7 · 2019 · 10 marks · Solution

Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indians coasts, citing specific examples.

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20. · Paper Q17 · 2019 · 15 marks · Solution

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.

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2018

21. · Paper Q6 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (150 Words, 10 Marks).

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22. · Paper Q7 · 2018 · 10 marks · Solution

What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of 'wise use' in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (150 Words, 10 Marks).

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23. · Paper Q17 · 2018 · 15 marks · Solution

How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks).

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2017

24. · Paper Q8 · 2017 · 10 marks · Solution

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.

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25. · Paper Q17 · 2017 · 15 marks · Solution

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

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2016

26. · Paper Q14 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

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.

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27. · Paper Q15 · 2016 · 12 marks · Solution

The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

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