Chapter 1: ENVIRONMENT

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Introduction

Ecology is a subject which studies organisms and their interactions with themselves and with their physical environment.

Ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where the living organisms interact with each other and also with surrounding
environment.

Fig 1: Biosphere to Individual

India is among the 12 mega biodiversity countries in the world. Of all the species in the world 70% are animals and rest
are plants.

In animals 70% are insects. 8 percent of all species live in India.

In general, species diversity decreases as we move from equator towards the poles.

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The tropics have remained relatively undisturbed unlike the temperate regions that have seen glaciations. Tropical envi-
ronments are less seasonal and more stable. Constant environments promote niche specialization and species diversity.
However 40% of forest area has been lost in tropics compared to 1% in temperate areas.

In the North India there is a vast expanse of terrain consisting of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The peninsular
plateau in south is made of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

47000 plant species are present in India. The country is 10th in World and 4th in Asia in terms of biodiversity. There are
15000 flowering plants that account for 6% of the worlds. 1200 bird species constituting 13% of worlds total and 2500
fish species constituting 12% of world’s fishes are present in India. Biodiversity decreases with increase in altitude.

Biodiversity Hotspots or mega diversity reserves are place for in-situ conservation of most threatened
reservoirs of bio diversity on earth. The criteria for a hotspot as said by Prof. Norman Myers are:
The area should support >1500 endemic species
It must have lost over 70% of its original habitat.

The variations in temperature of the place along with the variations in the precipitation have created biomes on earth viz.
Deserts, grasslands, tropical, temperate, coniferous forests and arctic and tundra regions. Regional and local variations
in the biomes have created many habitats.

A large ecosystem with its own distinct type of vegetation and animal life is called biome.

Niche means sum of activities and relationships of a species by which it uses all resources in its habitat for survival and
reproduction. No two species can have the same niche.

Ecotone is a zone of junction between two or more ecosystems. E.g. Mangroves are zone between marine and terres-
trial ecosystems.

Habitats of organisms comprise of biotic and abiotic components like temperature, water, light and soil.

Organisms and Environment

Eurythermal organisms tolerate vast range of temperatures and Stenothermal tolerate a narrow range of temperature.

Aquatic animals face problem due to pH and salt concentration of water. Fresh water organisms can’t live in salt water
and vice versa due to osmotic pressure. Euryhaline can tolerate vast range of salinity and stenohaline cant.

40% of all known fish species are found in the freshwater ecosystem.

Light too is an important component as it is needed in photosynthesis. The animals to need it as they determine their for-
aging, migratory, reproductive activities based on the photoperiod.

Soil too is important as the composition, grain size and aggregation determines the grain size and this decides the water
retention capacity. Various types of vegetation are possible based on this and this in turn supports a different section of
wildlife.

Responses to Abiotic factors:

Mammals, birds, a few vertebrates and invertebrates are capable of regulation both Thermo - regulation and Osmo -
regulation.

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They sweat during summer due to excess heat to cool the body. In winter they shiver to generate heat. No plants and
99% of animals can’t regulate and hence are called conformers.

Since body heat loss or gain is proportional to their surface area the small animals lose heat fast as their body area is
less compared to their volume. Hence more energy will be lost in regulating. Thus they prefer conformation.

These animals prefer to migrate or go into hibernation during unfavorable conditions.

Adaptation: an attribute of an organism that enables it to survive and reproduce in the habitat.

E.g.: kangaroo rats in North America meet their water requirements by internal fat oxidation. Desert plants use CAM
pathway for photosynthesis. Mammals in colder areas have shorter ears and limbs. Polar mammals have a thick layer of
fat below their skin to act as insulator.

Nature of interaction between species:

1. Predation: here the predator is the one who benefits and the prey loses.
2. Competition: multiple species compete for the same resource.
3. Parasitism: the parasite is benefited but the host is affected adversely.

4. Commensalism: the host isn’t benefited or harmed but the other species derives benefit
5. Mutualism: both the associating species benefit
6. Amensalism: one species is harmed but the other is unaffected.
7. Neutralism: species which interact but don’t affect each other in any way. It is very rare or nonexistent.

Energy and Environment

Sun is the only form of energy for the entire biosphere. Of the total solar energy incident on the earth only 50% is photo-
synthetically active. Out of this 2% is used by the plants and this sustains all life.

Green plants are the producers, the herbivore animals consume them and the carnivores consume the herbivores. Thus
energy moves from one trophic level to the next. After the death of the carnivores decomposers convert their body into
humus which is again used by the plants. Thus energy flow is circular.

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 Fig 1: Circular flow of energy

The energy that flows from one trophic level to the next is 10% of its total. The biomass at each level is calculated from
the dry weight of the organism at the level, it too goes on decreasing for each trophic level. Hence both the energy and
biomass structures are pyramidal. This isn’t seen at the aquatic biomass pyramid where a small standing crop of phyto-
plankton supports a larger mass of zooplankton.

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 Fig 2: Energy pyramid of terrestrial systems

Biodiversity in marine ecosystem is higher than the terrestrial ecosystem. Insects and vascular plants are com-
pletely absent here.

Maximum diversity in marine organisms is seen in the tidal zone near the shore.

Estuary is a place where a river or lake opens into the sea. It is partially enclosed area at the mouth of the river where
fresh water and salty sea water mix. Plants and animals in estuary have adapted themselves to variations in salinity.

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 Fig 3: Inverted pyramid of marine systems
Conservation:

1. In situ: threatened plants and animals are preserved in their natural habitats by declaring these as protected areas.
E.g.: national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves.

2. Ex-situ: threatened animals and plants are taken out of their habitats and placed outside their natural setting in a
place where they can be protected and cared. E.g.: zoological parks, cryo-preservation, botanical gardens, gene banks,
conservation at molecular level.
Ecological succession:

Process by which communities of plants and animals species in an area are changed or replaced into another over a pe-
riod of time is known as ecological succession.

Succession can be:

Primary: this takes place on bare or unoccupied surface. The plant or animal species that invades this area are called
pioneer species. This species show a high growth rate but a short life span.
Secondary: this is the community that is formed after the community that occupied the region is removed or destroyed
due to natural or human related events.

Solved Question Papers

Q. Consider the following pairs :

Terms sometimes seen in the news and Their origin
1. Annex—I Countries - Cartagena Protocol
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2. Certified Emissions Reductions - Nagoya Protocol
3. Clean Development Mechanism - Kyoto Protocol
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?(UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

All are associated with kyoto protocol

Q.With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following
statements is/are correct?
1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems
and biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the code given below (UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 and 2 only

3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

TEEB was launched by Germany and EU (2007)

Q.Which of the following statements is/are correct?

Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to
1. protection of biodiversity
2. resilience of forest ecosystems
3. poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 and 2 only

3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . D

Under REDD+ Developing country will have to prove the ‘result’ they have fought deforestation without harming local
communities or biological diversity.
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REDD+ also incorporates livelihood improvement

Q.What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? (UPSC CSAT 2016)

It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage green-
house gas emissions

It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies

It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022

It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank

Ans . A

Q.With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements :
1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development
2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . A

Agenda 21 is a non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of the United Nations with regards to sustainable devel-
opment. It is a product of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.

Q. Consider the following statements:

(1) The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
(2) The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . A

it includes only the 121 countries between Capricorn and Cancer receiving sunlight for 300 days or more

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Q.With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end
of this century does not exceed 2 °C or even 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000
billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 and 3 only

2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . B

Paris Summit- not all nations have signed the agreement and there is no deadline to ratify it. Developed countries com-
mitted to give $100 billion by 2020.

Q.Consider the following statements:

1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . B

Q.The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC
CSAT 2016)

pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East

plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change

capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals

Ans . B

Q.What is/are the importance/importance of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’?
1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programs and supportive inter-national partnerships.
2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of
major portion of financial resources to these regions.
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3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

The implementation of the UNCCD is geared around five regional implementation annexes: Annex 1 for Africa, Annex 2
for Asia, Annex 3 for Latin America and the Caribbean, Annex 4 for Northern Mediterranean and Annex 5 for Central and
Eastern Europe.

Q.Which one of the following is the best description of the term "ecosystem"? (UPSC CSAT 2015)

A community of organisms interacting with one another

That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms

A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live.

The flora and fauna of a geographical area.

Ans . C

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in conjunction with the non-living components of their environment, in-
teracting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are regarded as linked together through nutrient cycles and
energy flows.

Q. Which one of the following is the best description of the term “ecosystem”?(UPSC CSAT 2015)

A community of organisms interacting with one another

That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms

A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live.

The flora and fauna of a geographical area.

Ans . C

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in conjunction with the non-living components of their environment, in-
teracting as a system.
These biotic and abiotic components are regarded as linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows.

Q.Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

Potential energy is released to form free energy

Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored

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Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water

Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out

Ans . B

During photosynthesis, solar energy converted to chemical energy and stored in sugar molecule bonds. This chemical
bond energy is potential (stored) energy.

Q.Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth?
Volcanic action
Respiration
Photosynthesis
Decay of organic matter
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 3 only

2 only

1, 2 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans . C

Volcanic action releases CO2 in the atmosphere.

Global carbon cycle involves a complex interplay of geological processes such as volcanic activity
Chapter 2: POLLUTION AND CONTROL
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Introduction
An average human needs 12-15 times more air than food.

Particulate matter of size 2.5 microns or less causes greatest harm to humans. These can’t be removed even by
electrostatic precipitators which remove 99% of all particulate matter from exhaust of thermal power plants.

Even for cars that emit toxic fumes, the presence of catalytic converters is essential. In these converters metals like plat-
inum – palladium, rhodium are present. These convert the un-burnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide into
water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas.

But unleaded petrol must be used otherwise the catalyst in the converters are inactivated by lead.
Triethyl lead is used as an anti knock agent for smooth running of vehicles. The lead if inhaled then causes damage
to kidney, liver and development of red blood cells.

In cities, clouded high rise buildings trap the warm air and thus raise the temperature of the cities. These creates Urban
Heat Islands.

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 Fig 1: Urban heating effect

Iron and steel industries produce blast furnace slag, steel melting slag and fly ash. This is non biodegradable and now
it’s used by cement industry to make blended cement.

Global warming is the rise of temperature of the earth due to absorption of long wave terrestrial radiation by the green
house gases. 3°c increase can lead to decrease in precipitation by 10%. It will cause polar icecaps to melt and flood the
coastal areas. Coastal ecosystems like swamps and marshes will be damaged. Rainfall may fluctuate and grains may
mature early leading to smaller grain size and lower yield. Hurricanes, tornadoes may increase in intensity. Temperate
areas might lose soil moisture lowering agricultural productivity.

Due to rise in water temperatures the smaller fishes are migrating to other areas and the bigger fishes are affected. Big
fishes may become extinct affecting marine ecosystem and livelihoods of fishermen.

The UV radiations from the sun are of three categories – A, B, C. UV- C radiations are the most damaging to humans.

Air Pollution - China and India

Although the deaths recorded due to outdoor air pollution is higher in China than India. The rate of growth of air pollution
deaths and the deaths per lakh population is higher in India. So more people die here due to outdoor air pollution.
The indoor air pollution deaths mostly due to cooking from fossil fuels is also higher in India than China. The measures
taken by India to reduce indoor air pollution related deaths like promotion of LPG and CNG for cooking has reduced the
number of deaths.
However the deaths due to outdoor air pollution have only increased due to increase in cars, and power plants. India had
set emission standard norms for power plants in 2015 but not 1 has implemented them fully.
Water pollution and control:

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When sewage water is released in the rivers the microbes use up more oxygen for degradation as it’s oxygen requiring
process. This increases the biochemical oxygen demand. The oxygen isn’t available for aquatic animals and plants and
hence they die.

When excess nutrients are present in soil the planktonic organisms bloom and hence the competition for fishes and other
plants increase. This leads to algal bloom and fish mortality. The water quality also deteriorates. This is called Acceler-
ated Eutrophication.

An algal weed named water hyacinth is known as the terror of Bengal for its fast growing rate.

Limit of photosynthesis i.e. Penetration of sunlight below the ocean surface is 125m.

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 Fig 2: Light and ocean

Thermal pollution is caused when the heated water released by thermal, nuclear, chemical industries is released into
river, seas and oceans. The aquatic animals are suited to a constant temperature and when the temperature increases
above a range it affects them. The hot water increases their metabolism and affects their growth.

Mosquito borne diseases related with water:

Malaria – female anopheles mosquito

Filariasis – Culex mosquito
Dengue – Aedes Aeqypti

International drinking standards for water:

Fluoride: the concentration of fluorine in water should be 1 ppm. This converts the hydroxyapatite on the surface of the
teeth into flourapatite thus hardening them.
Lead: the concentration should e 50 ppm otherwise it will damage health.
Sulphate: <500 ppm otherwise it has laxative effect.
Nitrate: <50 ppm otherwise causes blue baby syndrome or Methemoglobinemia.
Minamata disease caused due to mercury poisoning as high quantity of mercury was released in water.
Itai – Itai disease is caused by cadmium poisoning. Lead causes displexia.
Black lung disease or pneumoconiosis is due to deposits of coal in lungs of miners.

85% of Indian population depends on ground water for its domestic consumption.

Radiation:

It is a form of energy travelling through space.

Non ionizing: these are electro-magnetic waves with long wavelengths that have energy to excite the electrons to vi-
brate faster but not to ionize them.

Ionizing: These are of short wavelengths and cause ionizing of water molecules. These break the chemical bonds and
damage living tissues.

Radiation damage can be somatic or genetic. Somatic doesn’t affect genes or mutation. Genetic affects genes
resulting in birth defects. These are passed on to the next generation.

Solved Question Papers

Q.Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

Crab

Mite

Scorpion

Spider
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Ans . A

Mite, Scorpion and mite are Arachnids, while Crab is a Crustacean

Q.Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings

Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings

Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans

Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms

Ans .

Diatoms are under primary producers / autotrophs

Crustaceans are under consumers / heterotrophs
Herrings feed on Crustaceans

Q.There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the
manufacture of various products. Why?
They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
They can enter the food chains.
They can trigger the production of free radicals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . D

Q.Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India?
Oxides of sulphur
Oxides of nitrogen
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1, 3 and 4 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans . D

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Q.Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some
concern about their use?
They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . B

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants

They’re persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment.

Q.The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 °C above pre-industrial level. If the
global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the
world?
Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source
Widespread coral mortality will occur.
All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only

1 and 2 only

2, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4,

Ans . B

Beyond 3 degree rise in global temperature, the cereal crop yield will decrease by 20% in low-altitudes.

Quiz
Score more than 80% marks and move ahead else stay back and read again!

Q1:particulate matter from exhaust of thermal power plants is removed by

electrostatic precipitators

platinum – palladium electrodes

rhodium electrodes

catalytic converters

Q2:___ is used as an anti knock agent for smooth running of vehicles.

Triethyl lead

Page 16 of 63
Diethyl lead

Monoethyl lead

AllChapter 3: SEASONS
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Introduction
Seasons in India are of four broad categories:
Summer [ hot weather season] March to May
Winter [ cold weather season] December to February
Rainy [ southwest monsoon season ] June to September
Autumn [ season of retreating monsoon] October – November
Weather is the day to day or hour to hour condition of the atmosphere. The average weather conditions of a place for a
longer period are known as climate. Climate of a place is dependent on its distance from the sea, altitude, location and
relief.
Weather and Conditions

The northern part of India falls in the sub tropical and temperate zone and the southern part lies in the tropical zone.
The southern region has smaller annual and diurnal temperature range but the northern region has higher range.

People living on the coast have an equable temperature throughout the year due to moderation by sea but people living
in the interiors experience extreme weather.

In places that are colder, the air becomes heavy. The cold heavy air sinks and creates a high pressure. High pressure
area is associated with a clear sunny sky.

Indian winter:

1. Apparent movement of the sun to the southern hemisphere. The northern region becomes colder and high pres-
sure conditions develop on the north of the Himalayas.

2. The air flows from this region to the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalayas.

3. These surface winds blew from central India to the Indian subcontinent as dry air mass. They also come in contact
with the northwestern trade winds.

4. At the upper level of troposphere 9-13 km from the surface the jet stream blows from west to east in the area north
of the Himalayas, at the Tibetan plateau the jet stream gets bifurcated. The northern arm blows eastward parallel to the
Tibetan plateau and the southern arm goes to the south of the Himalayas.

5. This southern arm is responsible for Indian winters.

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 Fig 1: Indian winter

Vegetation of India is divided into five types:

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 Fig 2: Vegetation map of India
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Tropical evergreen forest: occur in areas with heavy rainfall. They are so dense that sunlight doesn’t reach the ground.
Many species of trees are found here that shed their leaves at different points of the year. As a result they always appear
green and hence are called evergreen. E.g. Mahogany, ebony, rosewood.

Tropical forest is well stratified. Layers closer to the ground are covered with shrubs and creepers, followed by short
structured trees and tall structured trees.

Tropical deciduous forest: these trees are found in a large area in India. The shed their leaves at a particular time of
the year. E.g. Sal, Teak, Neem, Peepal and Shisham.

Thorny bushes: they are found on the dry land where precipitation is scanty. Hence their leaves are modified into
spines.

Mountain vegetation: at height of 1500-2500m trees are of conical shape. These are coniferous trees which are Chir,
Pine and Deodhar.

This is of two types southern Montane and northern montane forests.

Mangrove vegetation: these can survive salty water. India has 7% of the mangroves plantation of the world. 0.14% of
its area has mangroves. Sunderban mangroves are the only ones in the world where tiger population is found. Man-
groves act as a barrier to landward winds during cyclones and protect the coastal regions.

Mangroves in the eastern region of India are more luxuriant and diverse due to the presence of nutrient rich deltas
of the rivers.

The east and northeast margins of continents are covered by temperate evergreen and temperate deciduous trees. The
west and southwest margins of continents are covered with Mediterranean vegetation.

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 Fig 3: Altitude wise vegetation stratification

In Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, Himalayan yew trees are found that are used to obtain Taxol – a chemical
that cures cancers. Quinine – to cure malaria is from cinchona tree, drug for leukemia from vinca rosea. Aspirin – tropi-
cal willow tree.

In mountainous regions, the decreasing temperature with increasing altitude leads to corresponding change in the natu-
ral vegetation. In this ranges all types of vegetation occur from tropical to tundra. Wet temperate forests are seen be-
tween 1000 – 2000 m. between 1500 – 3000 m coniferous forests of temperate types are seen. Above 3600m alpine
grasslands are seen. Himalayan ranges are an example of this.

Tropical regions occupy one fourth of the total area of the world but have 75% of the total world population.

Page 21 of 63
 Chapter 4: SYMBOLIC ANIMALS
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National symbols:
1. Bengal tiger – national animal

2. Indian peacock – national bird

3. Ganges river dolphin – national aquatic animal
4. Banyan tree – national tree
5. Indian elephant – national heritage animal
6. King cobra – national reptile
Important animal and bird species:
1. Rann of kachchh – wild ass

2. Thar deserts – camels

3. Gir forest, Gujarat – Asiatic lions
4. Ladakh – Tibetan antelope, Bharal [blue sheep], yak, shaggy horned wild ox, kiang [Tibetan wild ass], snow leop-
ard.
5. Himalayan region – black necked crane

6. Northeast – red panda.

7. Nilgiri – Nilgiri tahr, lion tailed macaque
8. Gulf of Mannar – dugong dugong [sea cow]

9. Gujarat – great Indian bustard

10. Arunachal Pradesh – Mithun
Sanctuaries:

· Kaziranga sanctuary (Assam) – one-horned rhinoceros

· Manas sanctuary (Assam) – wild buffaloes
· Gir forest (Gujarat) – lions, chital, sambar, wild bears •
· Kelameru bird sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh) – pelicans and marine birds
· Dachigam sanctuary (Jammu and Kashmir) – Kashmir stags, Himalayan tahr, wild goats, sheep, antelopes.
· Bandipur sanctuary (Karnataka) – Indian bison, elephants, langurs
· Periyar sanctuary (Kerala) – elephants, barking deer, sambar
· Kanha national park (Madhya Pradesh) – tiger, leopards, wild dogs
Extinct in India:
Extinct in India – Asiatic cheetah, pink headed duck.

Points to Remember

Western Ghats has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in the meeting of the World Heritage Committee
in 2012. Apart from the World Heritage Site, it is one of the eight hottest hot spots of biological diversity in the world.

The Keibul Lamjao National Park is a national park in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in India. It is 40 km in
area, the only floating park in the world. To preserve the natural refuge of the endangered Manipur Eld's deer or brow-
antlered deer or sangai also called the dancing deer, the area is declared as a National Park.

Solved Question Papers

Q.What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?

1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 and 2 only
Page 22 of 63
3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . A

Q.Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11
metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered? (UPSC CSAT 2016)

Andaman Islands

Anaimalai Forests

Maikala Hills

Tropical rain forests of northeast

Ans . A

Scientists at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of banana from a remote tropical rain
forest on the Little Andaman islands.
The new species is about 11 metres high, whereas as the usual banana species is about three to four metres high. The
fruit pulp is orange in colour, distinctive from the white and yellow colour of regular bananas.

Q.With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2016)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . A

Red Sanders is associated with Tropical dry deciduous forest

Q.Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State But-
terfly’? (UPSC CSAT 2016)

Arunachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

Karnataka

Maharashtra
Page 23 of 63
Ans . D

Maharashtra government has declared the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) as the State butterfly.

Q.In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the `Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural
habitat? (UPSC CSAT 2016)

Sand deserts of northwest India

Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

Salt marshes of western Gujarat

Western Ghats

Ans . D

Great Indian hornbill is found in the dense emerald patches of the Western Ghats, the bird is also known as the bird of
the heavy rainforest.

Q.With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the entire coast of India
3. It is given legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2015)

1 and 2

2 only

1 and 3

3 only

Ans . C

The dugong is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest modern relative, Steller’s
sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas), was hunted to extinction in the 18th century.
The dugong is the only strictly marine herbivorous mammal, as all species of manatee use fresh water to some degree.
In India, it is found off the Gujarat Coast (Gulf of Kutch), Tamil Nadu coast (Gulf of Mannar), Palk Bay and Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.

Solved Question Papers

Q.Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India? (UPSC CSAT 2015)

Saltwater crocodile

Olive ridley turtle

Gangetic dolphin
Page 24 of 63
Gharial

Ans . C

River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India. This mammal is also said to represent the purity of the holy Ganga
as it can only survive in pure and fresh water.
They are locally known as susu, because of the noise it makes while breathing. This species inhabits parts of the
Ganges, Meghna and Brahmaputra rivers in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, and the Karnaphuli River in
Bangladesh.
River dolphin is a critically endangered species in India and therefore, has been included in the Schedule I for the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972.
The main reasons for decline in population of the species are poaching and habitat degradation due to declining flow,
heavy siltation, construction of barrages causing physical barrier for this migratory species.

Q.Consider the following:

Bats
Bears
Rodents
The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 2 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above

Ans .

All the animals hibernate during winter to prevent loss of heat from the body. Food is scarce during winters and so these
animals go into sleep during winters.
Chapter 5: ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATION
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Environmental legislation's:

1. Water [prevention and control of pollution] act, 1974:

a. Regulatory authority was vested in state pollution control boards and a central board. The central board would act as
a coordinator between state boards and enact policies. S.P.C.B’s could enact effluent standards for factories.

b. S.P.C.B’s could grant or deny consent to discharge in factories.

c. The S.P.C.B had the power to inspect factory premises and conduct analysis of samples. It could also cutoff water,
electricity to a premise. Provision of citizen suit to was created.

2. Water [prevention and control of pollution] Cess act, 1977:

a. A cess shall be applicable on industries which discharge effluents. The act also gave a rebate of 70% to those in-
dustries which have effluent treatment plants. The cess amount would be used by government to implement water act,
1974 and give capital grants to C.P.C.B and S.P.C.B.

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3. Air [prevention and control of pollution] act, 1981:
a. Implemented to control air pollution and improve quality of air.
b. The S.P.C.B had the power to inspect factory premises and conduct analysis of samples. It could also cutoff water,
electricity to a premise. Provision of citizen suit to was created.
c. Powers of C.P.C.B/S.P.C.B were increased to include air and noise pollution.
d. The industries operating within designated areas must obtain consent or permit from the S.P.C.B.

e. The state governments were to prescribe emission standards for industries and vehicles after consulting C.P.C.B.

4. Environment protection act, 1986

a. Passed in response to the Bhopal gas tragedy for protecting human environment and preventing hazards to hu -
man health. It is an umbrella act that provides framework for other legislation's and provides for coordination between
central government and central and state authorities.

b. Center can prescribe environment quality standards for emissions and effluents, regulate industrial locations, col-
lect and dismantle environment pollution information, establish safeguards protecting environment and prescribe proce-
dure to handle hazardous substances.
c. Gives central government authority power to regulate water, electricity to an industry and power to inspect, exam-
ine industries.
d. Citizens can file a suit alleging an offense under this act.

Western Ghats - Eco Sensitive Zone

Government of India has notified nearly 57000 sq km area of the Western ghats as eco sensitive zone. The states under
which this land is present are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Eco sensitive zones are
declared under the Environment Protection Act.
The mining, quarrying, sand mining projects, thermal power plants and building and construction projects shall be
banned under this notification. These industries shall be classified as “Red” category industries. “Orange” category indus-
try shall be strictly regulated. The stakeholders have been given 60 days to make suggestions. After which the notifica -
tion shall come into force.
However criticisms have been received against the process. The earlier Madhav Gadgil committee had recommended
that the entire area be declared eco sensitive. This wasn’t accepted an the Kasturirangan committee declared around
37% of the area as eco sensitive.
The government of Kerala had objected to a large portion being declared eco sensitive as this would have affected liveli-
hoods. Hence the final notification has taken the state government’s views into consideration and allowed for a smaller
area to be declared eco sensitive.

5. Wildlife protection act, 1972

a. Establishment of state wildlife boards, create Schedules I [endangered], II [special protection], III [big game], IV
[small game], V [vermin] of animals to categorize them, establish sanctuaries and national parks, permit capture of
wild animals for hunting, penalties for violations, regulate hunting.

6. Forest conservation act, 1980

a. Categorizes forests into reserved, village, protected and private. A state may declare a forestland or wasteland
as a reserve forest and sell produce from it. Any unauthorized felling, quarrying, grazing is an offense. Reserved forests
assigned to a village are village forests.
b. State government can declare a forest as protected and prohibit any commercial exploitation there. Any diversion
of forest land for non forest use needs approval of the center.

7. Biodiversity act, 2002:

Page 26 of 63
National biodiversity authority at the center, state biodiversity boards and district biodiversity management
committees to be setup.
All foreign organizations and nationals need to obtain permission of the NBA before accessing biological resources or
knowledge for use.
All monetary benefits arising out of approvals granted by NBA are to be deposited in the national biodiversity fund.
Prior permission of state biodiversity boards needed before biological resources can be imported.
NBA can impose terms to ensure equitable sharing of benefits. Before applying for any I.P.R abroad on basis of biologi-
cal resource obtained from India, NBA approval is needed.
NBA has the powers of a civil court.
State government can declare national heritage sites after consulting local governments. Center can issue directives to
states if it feels a naturally rich area is threatened by overuse, abuse, neglect.

International legislation's:

Convention is a framework to be respected by all signatories by enacting national legislation's. Protocol is an interna-
tional agreement to support a convention that is linked to a convention but adds new commitments to it.

1. CITES [convention on international trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna] is an international
agreement between governments. It aims to ensure that international trade of wild animals and plants doesn’t threaten
their survival.

2. I.U.C.N [international union for conservation of nature and natural resources]: it’s the world oldest and
largest organization for conservation. HQ – Gland, Switzerland. Have recognized eight red list categories of plants and
animals. These are extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, low risk, data deficient, not
evaluated. The mandate of I.U.C.N includes help implement conservation laws, run field projects, support governments
and authorities in policy making.

3. Wetland convention [Ramsar]:

a. UNESCO is the depository of this convention and the Ramsar Secretariat is at Gland, Switzerland. The objective of
this convention is to halt loss of wetlands and conserve their flora, fauna.

b. Designates internationally important wetlands.

c. Promote training and research, judicious use of wetlands, coordination amongst nations for implementation.

5. Montreal protocol

a. To implement the Vienna convention on protection of ozone layer this protocol was implemented to reduce man
made ozone depleting substances.

b. The protocol ensures compliance by enforcing bans on hazardous ozone depleting substances, control on trade
with non parties and technology transfer to developing countries.

6. UN framework convention on climate change

a. To control emission of greenhouse gases to ensure that the climate change isn’t drastic and natural habitat can
adapt to the emissions without affecting food production.

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b. This convention was unveiled at the UN conference on environment and development [U.N.C.E.D] in Rio de
Janiero, 1992 [earth summit].

c. Under this convention the Kyoto protocol was drafted in 1997 to reduce global emissions of G.H.G's to 5% less
than the 1990’s levels by 2000. Kyoto protocol entered into force in 2005.

Kyoto protocol:

The developed countries are placed in Annex I and they have the heaviest responsibility of fighting climate change by
reducing emissions. The countries of O.E.C.D and 12 transition nations were expected to reduce emissions compulsorily.
These nations were also expected to give grants and loans and transfer technology to less advanced countries. The fi-
nancial support is managed by Global Environment Facility.
Developing countries like India, china were non annex countries with no binding targets.

Annex- II a subgroup of annex-i countries which would provide funding to poor countries.

Annex- A had the 6 G.H.G’s like CO2, Methane, CFC, Sulphur Hexafluoride, Perfluorocarbons, and Nitrous Oxide.

Annex-B was the targets for annex-i countries.

7. Convention of biological diversity [CBD]: this convention was signed in 1992 at the earth summit [UNCED]. The
convention has three parts: conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of biodiversity, equitable sharing of benefits that
arise out of genetic resources.

Page 28 of 63
 Fig 2: Earth Summit

International bodies:

UN Environment Program [U.N.E.P]:

It was created by the UN general assembly at the UN conference on human environment, Stockholm in 1972. It is
headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Its main mandate is to coordinate development of environment policy for keeping global environment under review and
bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and international community for action.
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The divisions of U.N.E.P are:

1. Early warning and assessment

2. Environment policy implementation
3. Technology, industry, economics
4. Regional cooperation

5. Environment law and conventions

6. Global environment facility
7. Communication and public coordination

Environment impact assessment:

E.I.A is a tool that ensures that the project is environmentally sound and within the capacity of the ecosystem to assimi-
late and regenerate. It improves decision making by reducing the adverse impact of development projects.

E.I.A has now become mandatory for 29 development projects with investment of Rs. 50 Crores or more under the Envi-
ronment Protection Act, 1986.

Step 1: the environment appraisal committees are created for projects like nuclear, thermal, mining, industry, river valley,
and infrastructure development. Once an application is received it is sent to E.A.C for approval or rejection recommenda-
tion. Once the recommendations are obtained the ministry of environment makes final decision in 90 days.

Step 2: a post clearance monitoring is done to check adequacy of safeguards and make mid course corrections if
needed.

Solved Question Papers

Q.The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the (UPSC CSAT 2015)

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Ans . C

he Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and
Forests under ‘Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engi-
neered Organisms or Cells 1989’, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Chapter 6: AGRICULTURE
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Introduction

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for 55% of the population. The food grain production of 2014-15 is at 252 mil-
lion tones slightly less than previous year due to the drought. The schemes launched by the Dept. of Agriculture and Co-
operation & Farmers Welfare are:

Ministry of Agriculture
Page 30 of 63
Krishnnonati Yojana [ Umbrella Scheme]:

National food security mission [2007-8] launched to increase production of rice, wheat, pulses by 10, 8, 2 million tons
resp. The mission is being continued into the 12th plan with a target of 10, 8, 4 for rice, wheat, pulses and 3 million tons
increase in coarse cereals. Currently the program is being implemented with a share ratio of 50:50 between center and
states in 623 districts of 28 states.

National food security mission – commercial crops: To enhance the productivity of cotton, jute and sugarcane.
Thrust is on transfer of technology and share ratio is 50:50.

Mission for integrated development of horticulture: emphasis is on improving productivity, reduce post harvest
losses, and improve quality of seeds and planting material. The current production of horticulture products is at 283 mil-
lion tons [2014-15]

National mission on oilseeds and oil palm: target is to increase production of vegetable oils from oil seeds, oil palm to
9.5 million tons by end of 12th plan. Strategy is increase seed replacement ratio, increase quality planting material, irriga-
tion coverage, inter cropping with others and use of fallow and wastelands for cropping.

National mission for sustainable agriculture: emphasis is to make agriculture more remunerative, sustainable, climate
resilient and remunerative.

Soil health card scheme:

To be distributed to farmer’s at interval of three years so that they can test their fields and appropriately put fertilizers to
their farms. 12 indicators shall be tested in every soil sample.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana:

Organic farming promotion scheme. Cluster of farmers shall be formed and motivated to do organic farming. 10000 clus-
ters covering 5 lac acres are targeted. Certification and end to end marketing of produce shall be done.

Page 31 of 63
 Fig 1: Organic farming

Mass media support to agriculture extension and focused publicity campaign:

1. Agro clinic and agro business centers: provides service and support to farmers for setting up of self employment ven-
tures.

2. Information dissemination through agriculture fairs.

3. National e-governance plan in agriculture: timely providing information to farmers using I.C.T
4. Kisan call centers: provide toll free information to farmers
5. Farmers portal: to access all information on agricultural activities using a graphical interface
6. M - kisan portal: to send S.M.S, I.V.R.S and U.S.S.D service to farmers by Agro - Scientists.

7. DD Kisan: fully dedicated channel for farmers.

8. National Agro - tech infra fund: to be used to promote a national market by creating an e-platform to be deployed on
all state and UT's wholesale markets.
9. Price stabilization fund: to purchase Agro - horticulture products and reduce price fluctuations and protect farmers
and consumers.

PM krishi sinchai Yojana:

Page 32 of 63
 Providing access to water for every farm by ensuring end to end irrigation supply chain by building distributing networks,
farm gate applications.
Micro irrigation and its benefits
Micro irrigation has a coverage potential of 69 million hectares and currently only 13% area of that is being covered. The
micro irrigation systems provide a water savings of up to 40% over conventional flood irrigation systems and lead to crop
productivity increase. The latter is due to water application directly at the root zone. The piped system of transporting wa-
ter from dams to fields can save water loss by 70% and make the entire system water efficient by 90%.
The Marathwada region of Maharashtra which grows sugarcane consumes 2000 liters of water for a kilogram of sugar
and so bringing a hectare of sugarcane under micro irrigation can save enough water to bring 5 hectares of cotton under
cultivation. Installation of micro irrigation systems can cost Rs. 75000 per hectare but the price can lead to huge savings
too.
PM Krishi Sinchayi Yojana

Fig 2: PMKSY

National crop insurance programs:

Provide financial support and stabilize farm income during adverse conditions when crops fail due to pests, disease,
weather or natural calamities.

Research and Development Institutes

Page 33 of 63
Indian council of agriculture research [I.C.A.R]: Under the Dept. Of Agriculture Research, Ministry of Agriculture. It
has one of the world’s largest network of institutes and is mandated with coordinating, managing R&D in agriculture.
New schemes launched by it are farmer FIRST [farmer, innovation, research, science and technology], student READY
[rural entrepreneurship and awareness development Yojana], and A.R.Y.A [attracting and retaining youth in agriculture].

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries:

Department of animal husbandry, dairying, fisheries: is another department under ministry of agriculture. It conducts
livestock census every five years [1st in 1919]. India is the world’s leading producer of milk and the per capita availability
is higher than the world. The department looks after promotion of dairy activities in non operation flood areas
while the national dairy development board looks after operation flood areas. Schemes launched by it are:

National program for bovine breeding and dairy development: N.P.B.B & D.D

Focused on increasing artificial insemination by its network of M.A.I.T.R.I [Multipurpose Artificial Insemination Technician
in Rural India] and N.P.D.D focused on creating the infrastructure for procurement, processing, marketing of milk
and milk products.

Fisheries Sector
Fishery is a highly growing sector where India ranks second in world with 5.6% of global fish production. It is also second
after china in aquaculture. The total output of fish is 10 million tons with 6.5 from inland and rest from marine. In-
dia has about 2200 species of fish i.e. 11% of global fish species. 65% of Indian fishes live in the sea, 3.3% in cold fresh -
water, 25% in warm freshwater and rest in estuaries. Ongoing schemes were brought under Blue Revolution – an um-
brella referring to integrated and holistic development of fisheries and aquaculture.

Solved Question Papers

Q.Consider the following statements :

The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at
1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 and 2 only

3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . B

A soil health card provides information about 12 soil parameters, so farmer can use appropriate fertilizers.

Q. What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ (NAM) scheme?
1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :(UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 only

Page 34 of 63
2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . C

Q. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture?

1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
Select the correct answer using the code given below : (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . D

Crop residues or other organic matter left in or added to the field improve water penetration and moisture retention
Gypsum application can solve the water percolation process.
zero tillage faming helps in moisture conservation.

Q.What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Technology? (UPSC CSAT 2017)

Production of biolarvicides

Manufacture of biodegradable plastics

Reproductive cloning of animals

Production of organisms free of disease

Ans . C

SCNT technology was used for cloning the sheep “Dolly

Q.With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used
in the immediate future?
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various
crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3
Page 35 of 63
Ans . D

Benefits of human genome sequencing that – “It is the sequence of bases in DNA that determines the genetic informa-
tion of a given organism. So, learning about the DNA sequences can lead to an understanding of their natural capabilities
that can be applied toward solving challenges in health care, agriculture, energy production, environmental remediation.”

Q.Which one of the following best describes the main objective of ‘Seed Village Concept'? (UPSC CSAT 2015)

Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others

Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at ap -
propriate time and affordable cost

Earmarking some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds

dentifying the entrepreneurs in village and providing them technology and finance to set up seed companies

Ans . B

A village, wherein trained group of fanners are involved (generally in a self-help group) in production of seeds of various
crops and cater to the needs of themselves, fellow fanners of the village and fanners of neighboring villages in appropri-
ate time and at affordable cost is called “a seed village”.

Q.What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?

1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2015)

1 and 3 only

2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

Increasing the amount of nitrogen based fertilizer does not lead to more micro-organisms in the field. If it did, just one
dose of fertilizer would make a farm nitrogen rich for years together.
Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers resulting in soil acidity
Nitrogen fertilizers break down into nitrates and travel easily through the soil. Because it is water-soluble and can remain
in groundwater for decades, the addition of more nitrogen over the years has an accumulative effect.

Chapter 7: EARTH
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Lithosphere
Lithosphere is broken into many small plates. These plates move around due to the motion of magma inside the earth.
This motion leads to plates moving a few millimeters each year. The movement of these plates causes changes on the
surface of the earth. The earth movements are divided on the basis of the forces that cause them.

Page 36 of 63
 1. Endogenic forces: acting in the interior of the earth. E.g. Earthquakes, landslides, building mountains, volcanoes.
2. Exogenic forces: acting on the surface of the earth. E.g. Rivers, winds, glaciers, sea waves.

Work of a river:

A river erodes the landscape due to the running water. When a river tumbles over a very steep rock or down a river val -
ley it forms a waterfall. As the river enters a plain it twists and turns to form large bends known as meanders. Due to end -
less deposition and erosion the ends of the meander loop come closer and closer and finally form an ox bow lake which
is cutoff from the river. If the river overflows the banks it deposits fertile soil or other elements along its banks called sedi -
ments. This leads to formation of a flood plain.

As the river closes to the sea its speed becomes slower and the sediments it carried are deposited. This leads to a
breakup of the river into distributaries and each distributary forms a mouth. The collection of sediments from all mouths
are called delta.

Glaciers too carry sediments like rocks, sands which are deposited on the path, these are called glacial
moraines. Even winds act as weathering agents, winds lifts and carries sands from one place to another. When the wind
stops blowing the sands are deposited. Such sand deposits on large areas are called loess.

Conditions favoring formation of Delta

Active vertical and lateral erosion to provide sediments that shall be deposited at deltas.
Preferrably sheltered and tideless coast.
Sea adjoining delta should be shallow
There should be no large rivers in the course to filter off the sediments.
There should be no strong current flowing at right angles at the mouth of the river, washing away the sediments.

Estuaries are better than deltas for formation of ports as deltas see deposition of large quantities of silts thus preventing
large ships from setting up anchor near ports.

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Course of a river:
Upper course / Mountain course [stage of youth]: V-shaped valleys, gorges or canyons are formed. Rapids, cataracts
or waterfalls also occur mostly in this stage but can also occur in lesser numbers in the next stages also.
Middle course / valley course [stage of maturity]:Interlocking spurs and meandering flow is seen. Also river cliffs and
slip off slopes are common.
Lower or plain course [stage of old age]:Flood plains are seen at this stage and banks of the river are raised due to
deposits forming leeves. Delta and ox bow lakes are also seen.
Land use patterns:

Japan has 67% of its total land under forests, Canada has 52% of its land under developmental use, India has 56% of its
area under cultivation and Australia has 56% of its area under pastures.

Push factors Pull factors

Over population Employment
Religious persecution More opportunities
Slavery or bonded labor Better social amenities
Lack of food Better lifestyle
Racial discrimination Continuous trade and economic
expansion
Natural hazards / climate change Territorial expansion
Fragmentation of family owned land

Table 1: Push and pull factors responsible for migration from villages to cities

Solar System and Planets:

1. Mercury: closest to the sun but no atmosphere.

2. Venus: closest to the earth. Atmosphere has CO2 and poisonous gases.
3. Mars: red planet or earth’s twin.
4. Jupiter: largest planet but not with any solid surface
5. Saturn: gaseous planet with a ring.

6. Uranus: highly tilted rotation axis.

7. Neptune: cold and dark surface. Smaller than earth.

Four inner planets are rocky with less number of satellites and outer planets are gaseous with many satellites.

Protected areas:
Biosphere reserves:
Page 38 of 63
It is a unique and representative ecosystem of terrestrial and aquatic areas. These are recognized under the UNESCO's
man and biodiversity program. There are currently 18 reserves out of which 10 are recognized by UNESCO’s world
network of biosphere reserves viz. Nilgiri, Nandadevi, Sunderban, Nokrek, Similipal, Panchmarhi, Amarkantak,
Agastyamala, Great Nicobar and Gulf of Mannar.

The biosphere reserves have three areas:

· Core: here no human activity is permitted. No entry is allowed except with permissions for special purposes only.

· Buffer: here greater variety of resource use strategies, research and educational activities are permitted.
· Transition zone: it is an area of active cooperation between reserve management and local people. Here economic
activities are permitted if they are in sync with conservation goals.

Fig 2: Biosphere reserves

Fossil fuel formation:

Coal, oil, natural gas are the major fossil fuels in the world. Coal formation goes through the following stages:
Stage 1 [peat]: partially decayed plant matter in swamps. It has low heat content.
Stage 2 [lignite]: low cost, low sulphur and low heat content.
Stage 3 [bituminous]: Generally used as fuel due to high heat content.
Stage 4 [anthracite]: hard coal with low sulphur and high heat content.
Oil and gas are found along geologically young tectonic belt at plate boundaries where depositional basins are more
likely to occur.
Bio-fuel:

Bio-fuel is obtained by converting biomass into alcohol to be used as fuel. Jatropha and Pongamia are plants that can
be used to obtain bio-diesel.
Page 39 of 63
Ethanol obtained from sugarcane, sorghum can be used as a substitute for petrol.

Solved Question Papers

Q. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
Terrace cultivation
Deforestation
Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 2 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . B

Terrace Cultivation helps reduce soil erosion

Q.Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association
of (UPSC CSAT 2014)

algae and bacteria

algae and fungi

bacteria and fungi

fungi and mosses

Ans . B

In organisms called lichens, a chlorophyll-containing partner, which is an algae, and a fungus live together fungus pro-
vides shelter, water and minerals to the alga and, in return, the alga provides food which it prepares by photosynthesis

Q.With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coal bed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the follow-
ing ‘statements:
Coal bed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and bu-
tane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
In India abundant coal bed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Page 40 of 63
Ans . D

Shale gas contains methane along with "propane and butane".

Shale gas resources exist in India.

Q.In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has
assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics

The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas

The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines

It is a source of high quality biodiesel

Ans . B

Chapter 8: PROTECTED AREAS

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Introduction
Natural vegetation of India reflects a state of perfect harmony with the relief and climatic conditions of the subcontinent.
There is perfect correspondence between the annual rainfall and the altitude above the mean sea level on one hand and
the types of vegetation that will be found in each major region of the country.

Most of our Himalayan and peninsular areas are covered with indigenous or endemic flora, while the Indo-Gangetic
Plain and the Thar desert contain plant species that have come generally from outside.

Plants have come from North Africa to the vegetation of the arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Thar, as well as a
good deal of the Great Plains of India. Those immigrating from Indo-Malaysia have influenced the vegetal cover of the
hilly regions of north-eastern India.

This process of the immigration of uninvited plant species is not only continuous, but has actually become more marked
with the increase in communication with other lands, both by sea and air. Some of the exotic varieties are troublesome
weeds. Examples are: lantana and water hyacinth (Terror of Bengal).

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF FORESTS IN INDIA

Geographical region % of total forest area of India

Himalayan Region 18

The Great Plains of India 5

Peninsular Plateau and Hills 57

Western-Ghats and Coastal Plains 10

Eastern-Ghats and Eastern Coastal Plains 10

Page 41 of 63
CLASSIFICATION OF FORESTS

On the basis of administration, the forests have been classified into the following three categories:

Reserved Forests: These forests are under the direct supervision of the government and no public entry is allowed
for collection of timber or grazing of cattle. About 53 per cent of the total forest area falls in this category.

Protected Forests: These forests are looked after by the government, but the local people are allowed to collect
fuel-wood/timber and graze their cattle without causing serious damage to the forests. These forests occupy about
29 per cent of the total forest area of the country.

Unclassified Forests: The unclassified forests are those in which there is no restriction on the cutting of trees and
grazing of cattle. About 18% of the total forest area of the country falls under this category.

As per the Constitution of India, forests have been classified under the fo1lowing categories:

State Forests:These are under the full control of the government (State/Central) and include almost all the important
forest areas of the country. They constitute about 94 per cent of the total forest area of the country.

Commercial Forests: These forests are owned and administered by the local bodies (municipal corporations, mu-
nicipal boards, town areas, district boards, and village panchayats). They occupy about 5 per cent of the total forest
area of the country.

Private Forests: These are under private ownership and cover slightly more than one per cent of the total forest
area of the country,

On the basis of merchantability, Indian forests may be grouped under two categories:

Merchantable: These are accessible. About 82 per cent of the total forest area belongs to this category.

Non-Merchantable: These are not accessible being situated in high mountainous areas with inaccessible topo-
graphical features. About 18% of the total forest area (especially conifers) of the country fall in this category.

Based on Composition: Based on composition and types of leaves, Indian forests fall into two broad groups

Conifer Forests: These are temperate forests occupying about 6.50 per cent of the total forest area of the country.

Broad-leaf Forests: These are tropical and subtropical monsoon forests. About 94 per cent of the country's forests
belong to this category. They are found in the plains, plateau and mountainous areas of the country.

Protected areas were formed after the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was passed. There are 4 protected areas: National
parks, Wildlife sanctuaries, Community reserves and Conservation reserves. As of 2013 they covered 4.9% of India's
area.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks:

Both of these are declared by the state governments and central government under provisions of the Wildlife Protection
Act, 1972. The Wildlife sanctuaries are present in all states. Both these areas are of ecological significance. National
parks enjoy higher degree of protection as certain activities like grazing which is regulated in sanctuaries isn't permitted
in national parks. Sanctuaries are formed for particular species but not national parks which may be for multiple species.

Boundaries of national parks and sanctuaries shall be fixed by a notification. However no alterations can be made except
on recommendation of the National Board of Wildlife.

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Residence within these areas shall be done by the permission of Chief Wildlife Warden. Restriction shall be imposed on
entry of people in such areas. Administration of such areas is with CWW. National board of wildlife shall make recom-
mendations on setting up and management of protected areas. State Wildlife Boards shall advice state governments on
selection and administration of such areas.

Community and Conservation reserves:

They can be setup under Wildlife protection act, 1972 amendment. They want a flexible system without compromising
the community needs. The first conservation reserve was in Tamil Nadu and was setup by state government on land ad-
jacent to sanctuaries and national parks owned by it. This was conservation of landscape, seascape and habitat. Com-
munity reserves are setup in private land with consent of owners by notification of state government. The tradition,cus-
toms are protected and also habitat of flora and fauna. Management committees are setup in such reserves.

Coastal Protection Areas:

These are formed to protect and conserve marine ecosystems in pristine conditions. Marine protected areas are for con-
servation of mangroves, lagoons,corals, sea grass beds and estuaries. They belong to the following classes:

Category I - National parks and sanctuaries

Category II - Islands
Category III - Beaches
Category IV - Semi or evergreen forests.

Biosphere Reserves

UNESCO came with the functions and concept of Biosphere reserve. These are areas where community and environ-
ment can co-exist while respecting each others needs. Such sites are recognised under UNESCO's Man and Biodiversity
program. The scientific work carried out in BR's is shared with the global community to share best practices on sustain -
able development. BR's are maintained by State or UT's with financial support of the Union. The difference between
them and existing protected areas are the coverage of entire biodiversity and not just a species.

Biodiversity Hotspots in India

India has three biodiversity hotspots namely Eastern Himalayas, Western ghats and Indo Burma. The criteria for
hotspots was framed by Norman Myers which is It must contain 1500+ species of vascular plants as endemic and it must
have lost 70% of its original area.

World Heritage Site

Sites that are categorized in the UNESCO's World heritage list formed after the Protection of Natural and Cultural her -
itage are World heritage sites. Sites can be of natural or cultural significance. They sites are designated if they meet any
of the 10 criteria mentioned in the World Heritage Convention. India has 35 such sites [2016].

Solved Question Papers

Q.Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?
(UPSC CSAT 2015)

Khangchendzonga National park

Nandadevi National Park

Neora Valley National Park

Namdapha National park

Page 43 of 63
Ans . D

Namdapha National Park is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and is located in
Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India.
The habitat changes with increasing altitude from tropical moist forests to Montane forests, temperate forests and at the
higher elevations, to Alpine meadows and perennial snow. The park has extensive bamboo forests and secondary
forests in addition to the primary forests.

Q.Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiver-
sity? (UPSC CSAT 2015)

Bhitarkanika National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keoladeo Ghana National park

Sultanpur National park

Ans . B

It is the only floating park in the world, located in Manipur, North East India, and an integral part of Loktak Lake. The na-
tional park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis.
The park is a swamp established by Mann Sharma with floating mass of vegetation (created by accrual of organic
garbage and biomass with soil particles that has been thickened into a solid form called phumdis, at the south–eastern
side of the Loktak Lake, which has been declared a Ramsar site. Two third’s to three fourth’s of the total park area is
formed by phumdis.

Q.The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establish-
ment of (UPSC CSAT 2014)

biosphere reserves

botanical gardens

national parks

wildlife sanctuaries

Ans . A

In national park, human activity is totally prohibited.

Biosphere Reserves are special entities (sites) for …how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting each
other’s needs
The transition zone, the outermost part of the Biosphere Reserve, is an area of active cooperation between the manage-
ment and the local people, wherein activities like settlements, cropping, forestry , recreation and other economic that are
in harmony with the conservation goals

Q.With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities, in those zones except
agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only
Page 44 of 63
2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . D

It is declared under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Tourism and other activities allowed as it permits cottage industries, erection of telecom and electricity wires, tourism,
hot-air balloons and so on

Q.Consider the following pairs

Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
Saramati Peak : Nagaland
Which of the above pairs is /are correctly matched? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

Mt. Saramati is the highest peak in Nagaland

Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is in Tripura

Q.If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?
Oak
Rhododendron
Sandalwood
Select the correct answer using the code given below (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . D

Oak and Rhododendron given under “Himalayan region”

Sandalwood is found in Moist Decidous forests found in the northeastern states along the foothills of Himalayas.

Q.If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, dis-
turbed by their movement through grasses, Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
Painted Stork
Common Myna
Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)
Page 45 of 63
1 and 2

2 only

2 and 3

3 only

Ans . B

Painted Stork is a fish eating bird.

Common Myna - It is an opportunistic feeder on inspects, disturbed by grazing cattle.
Black-necked crane - Found in Trans-himalayan region i.e. in Arunanchal Pradesh and Ladakh

Q.Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?
Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans . C

Chapter 9: CONSERVATION PROJECTS

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Introduction

Project Tiger
It was launched for conservation of Indian Tiger whose population had reduced from 40000 in 1900 to a mere 1800 by
1972. It was a centrally sponsored scheme to protect the species and its habitat as a natural heritage for benefit of the
people. It also aimed to harmonize the right of tribals in and around such areas. Tiger reserves were notified for protec-
tion of tiger and its prey. A statutory body National Tiger Conservation Authority headed by PM would be setup to monitor
these reserves. State government would notify such reserves on recommendation of this body.

Tiger reserves would have a core and buffer area. Core area would remain inviolate for any human interference. The buf-
fer areas would see co-existence of human activity and habitat protection. The NTCA and National board of Wildlife
would recommend and approve the denotification or alteration of Tiger reserves after which the state governments could
proceed.

Functions of N.T.C.A:
Approve tiger conservation plan of state governments.
Disallow ecologically unsustainable activities in tiger reserves.
Monitor tiger conservation activities, capacity building measures and regulate tourism in core and buffer areas.
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Allow diversion of land for economic activities after approval of National board of Wildlife.

Project Elephant

It was launched as a central sponsored scheme in 1992 for protection of elephants and their habitat. States were given
financial assistance in their efforts of conservation and capacity building of staff.Protection of elephant corridors, prevent
man animal conflict, stop poaching , protect tamed elephants are objectives of this project.

Elephant corridors are areas that connect habitats of elephant colonies. These are located in India everywhere except
Western regions. North east has highest numbers but South India has least disturbed corridors. Orissa, Chattisgarh,
Jharkhand have highest mineral wealth and elephant corridors which means high man animal conflict. Apart from mining
ivory hunting is another serious problem. "Gajah" is the mascot of the movement.

Project One Horned Rhino

Assam forest department and Bodo council are implementing Indian rhino vision 2020 for increasing rhino population to
3000 by 2020 and to distribute them over 7 protected areas for conservation.

Project Snow Leopard

This was launched in 2009 for protection of snow leopard and its habitat from threats due to degradation. The participa-
tion of local communities and use of scientific methodology was seen as important. The high altitude ecosystem is
unique with its diversity.

Project Sea turtle

Ministry of environment and forest and UNDP started this program currently implemented by Wildlife institute of India.
Aim is conservation of egg hatching sites of olive ridley turtles in all 10 coastal states of India especially Orissa.

Project Crocodile

This project brought back the crocodiles from extinction onto a path of recovery. The gharial, salt water crocodile and
mugger are focus of this scheme. Crocodile conservation and breeding center, Hyderabad is involved in this and one aim
is to sensitize local populations for effective conservation.

Project Hangal

Kashmir stag or hangal is the state animal of J&K. The habitat destruction had brought this animal on brink of extinction
but the State government with support of IUCN and WWF prepared a project for protection of these animals.

Project Ganges River Dolphin

The national aquatic animal of India was threatened due to fishing or poaching for oil. In addition to this building of bar-
rages and dams are also separating the population. Various organizations including WWF-India are involved in its con-
servation and re-introduction.

Note: Vultures are affected by consumption of diclofenac a drug which can't be digested by them. This causes kidney
failure and death. Vulture Safety zones were setup in India to provide diclofenac free carcass for vultures. In punjab and
maharashtra, Vulture restaurants were setup for the same purpose.

Solved Question Papers

Page 47 of 63
Q. The term M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC CSAT 2017)

Captive breeding of Wild Fauna

Maintenance of Tiger Reserves

Indigenous Satellite Navigation System

Security of National Highways

Ans . B

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is planning to implement a new computerized tiger monitoring protocol in
all tiger reserves of the country known as Monitoring System for Tiger, Intensive Patrolling and Ecological Status
(MSTrIPES).

Q. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which
one of the following sites ? (UPSC CSAT 2017)

Corbett National Park

Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Sariska National Park

Ans . B

Q. In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,
what does it imply ? (UPSC CSAT 2017)

It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinc -
tion.

It is endemic to a particular region of India.

Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

Ans . A

Q. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any per -
son except under some provisions provided by law?
1. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass
3. Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:(UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3
Page 48 of 63
Ans . D

schedule 5 vermin- crow, fruitbat, mice and rat can be killed.

Q. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit? (UPSC
CSAT 2017)

Bhitarkanika Mangroves

Chambal River

Pulicat Lake

Deepor Beel

Ans . B

Gharials are river dwelling fish-eaters and their only viable population is in the Chambal Sanctuary

Q. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link be-
tween the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? (UPSC CSAT 2017)

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Nallamala Forest

Nagarhole National Park

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

Ans . B

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce
(TRAFFIC):
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation
of nature.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . B

TRAFFIC is joint program of WWF and IUCN

Q. Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely
consequence/consequences?
1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
Page 49 of 63
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

No specific reference that mentions linkage between butterfly population vs fungus infection.

Q. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (UPSC CSAT 2017)

Measuring oxygen levels in blood

Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems

Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems

Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions

Ans . C

The amount of oxygen required by bacteria to break down the organic matter present in a certain volume of a sample of
water, is called Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The amount of BOD in the water is a measure of the amount of or -
ganic material in the water, in terms of how much oxygen will be required to break it down biologically. Clean water would
have BOD value of less than 5 ppm whereas highly polluted water could have a BOD value of 17 ppm or more.

Q. In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation tech-
nique?
1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in na -
ture.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by
bioremediation using microorganisms.
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

Disadvantages of bioremediation – not all compounds are susceptible to rapid and complete biodegradation, and biore-
mediation often takes longer time than other treatment processes.

Q. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide,
which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?
1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
Page 50 of 63
2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
3. Subterranean deep saline formations
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . D

Carbon sequestration may be carried out by pumping carbon into carbon sinks of two types: Natural sinks- ocean, forest,
soil etc. Artificial sink- depleted oil reserve, unminable mines
Deep Saline Formations infact have highest capacity for this.

Q. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries
in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology un -
til the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological
and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:(UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . B

use of genetically modified organisms in production systems could affect social acceptability
Open Algal ponds will attract insect larvae invasion and affect predator-prey balance. This is ecological concern

Q. Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?

1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC CSAT 2015)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 only 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

Page 51 of 63
Q.Consider the following pairs of Wetlands and Confluence of rivers:
1. Harike Wetlands -> Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park -> Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake - > Confluence of Musi and Krishna
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans .

Kolleru Lake - confluence of Godavari and Krishna

Keoladeo Ghana National Park - It is formed by inundation of Gambira and Banganga rivers

Q.Which of the following have coral reefs?

Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Gulf of Kutch
Gulf of Mannar
Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1, 2 and 3 only

2 and 4 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans . A

Major reef formations in Indian seas occur in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay , Gulf of Kutch, the Andaman and Nicobar Is-
lands and the Lakshadweep.

Chapter 10: CLIMATE CHANGE ORGANIZATIONS

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UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

This multilateral instrument on climate change was adopted at the 1992 Earth summit in Brazil also known as UN Confer-
ence on Environment and Development. All subsequent negotiations on climate change for both adaptation and mitiga-
tion were adopted on the framework created by UNFCCC. Due to inadequacies in the convention the Kyoto Protocol was
framed that binds nations with targets and thus commits them to climate change. It was adopted in 1997 but came into
effect in 2005.

KP thus commits industrialized nations to binding targets as it recognizes them as important factors responsible for cli-
mate change due to the 150 year old process of industrialization. Its central principle was "Common but differentiated re -
sponsibilities". Overall target was to have5% emission reduction compared to 1990 over a five year period from 2008-
2012.

KP Framework:

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Greenhouse gases like Carbon dioxide became a new commodity and developed countries were given binding emission
reduction targets. Flexible market mechanisms were introduced to aid developed countries in meeting their targets.
These allowed countries to buy credits from others who had met their targets and had exceeded them. KP market mech-
anisms were Clean Development Mechanism, Joint Implementation and Emission Trading.

Joint Implementation

This allows a country under Annex - B i.e. developed country to launch an emission reduction project in another devel -
oped country and thus earn emission reduction units equivalent to 1 ton of CO2. Thus both the countries can jointly work
to reduce emissions. The host country shall benefit from technology transfer and foreign investments and the country
shall be able to meet its Kyoto commitment.

Clean Development Mechanism

The developed country with a binding target shall implement an emission reduction project in a developing country. The
Certified emission reduction units earned through these shall be counted in its target achievement. Each CER shall be
equivalent to 1 ton of CO2 emission.

Carbon Trading

Carbon trading occurred in two types i.e. emission trading and offset trading. The emission trading or "Cap and trade"
mechanism allows a country to get credits for meeting its emission targets and exceeding them. It is based on the princi-
ple of Targets assigned to Developed countries under KP where they can emit only a fixed amount of emission or carbon
equivalents. This carbon equivalent is earned if a country reduces emission. e.g. if a country has target of 100 tons CO2
emission which means it can emit 100 CO2 units so it can earn credits by emitting less CO2. The offset trading allows
carbon saving projects to earn credits by using emission saving technology. Hence if a power plant emits 8 tons of car-
bon and limit is 4 tons then it needs 4 units of CER to meet its target. This it can do by saving emissions or investing in a
emission free project like wind power plant. The credits earned from that can be used to meet its own commitment and if
extra is earned then it can sell it in market.

In the Bali summit held in 2007 it was proposed to include even developing countries like India and China, after
2012 when the KP ends, under compulsory targets as their emissions to were increasing. Due to no agreements
on this as developed and developing countries were in discord this wasn't enforced.

Green Climate Fund

This was setup in 2010 during the Conference of Parties 16th session in Cancun. COP is an annual summit of signato-
ries of UNFCCC. The fund was to act as a financial mechanism of the UNFCCC. It would have a board that would ad-
minister it and a trustee for asset management. The GCF would finance programs and projects in developing countries
related to adaptation and mitigation of climate change. The interim trustee of the GCF was World Bank. The 2% of the
amount obtained from CER was transferred to the Adaptation fund of GCF to finance adaptation related activities in de-
veloping countries.

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation's and forest Degradation's REDD and REDD+

This is a global endeavor to incentivize developing countries to better manage, protect and save the forests to help in cli-
mate change. REDD+ goes beyond just forest conservation and incentivizes sustainable management of forests and in-
creasing forest stocks. Thus countries that undertake initiatives for reducing emissions and sustainable management of
forest resources can benefit from funds. Thus a country can be rewarded for increasing its forest cover and tree cover.
The local community that participates in achieving this can benefit by obtaining more forest resources and also monetary
benefits from funds received under REDD+.

Global environment facility was created by World Bank in 1991 with support of UNDP and UNEP. The aim was to
create a financial mechanism for funding of environment related projects as per the mandate of UNFCCC. This
Page 53 of 63
would be responsible to COP i.e. signatories of UNFCCC. The fund focuses on climate change mitigation
projects.

Inter Government Panel on Climate Change

It was formed in 1988 by a UNGA resolution on a proposal made by WMO and UNEP. The WMO and UNEP then imple -
mented the IPCC and it has its current headquarters in WMO, Geneva. The IPCC provides governments with scientific
information on climate change. Though the IPCC doesn't conduct research but it assesses the latest research on climate
change by reviewing technical and scientific reports. The review process is aided by governments of all countries. These
reports are then useful for understanding climate change impact on environment, economics and livelihood. Reports are
thus policy neutral and yet important for policy making.

National Green house gas inventory program: The guidance provided by this program is useful for estimating the
quantity of emissions and removal of GHG's by each country.
Graded response plan for Combating Air Pollution

This was submitted by the Environment Pollution Control Authority, mandated by Supreme Court. The guidelines for the
action plan laid down by this authority after consultation with all states are:

When the level of PM 2.5 reaches 100 microgram/cubic meter the measures to be taken are mechanised sweeping, wa-
ter sprinkling along roads, smooth flow of traffic by the police, ban on firecrackers, PUC norms and stopping landfill fires
has to be done.

If the pollution levels persist then the emergency will be declared and odd even rule shall be enforced, ban on construc-
tion activity and stopping trucks from entering city limits unless carrying essential items.

The concentration of pollutants shall be monitored by SPCBs and IMD and communicated to EPCA. 16 agencies like the
Urban Local Bodies, Government Departments etc have to work in coordination to ensure implementation.

The EPCA action plan shall ensure that measures are taken effectively and no knee jerk response is there. However the
existing rules have to be enforced strictly to ensure that pollution remains under control.

EPCA was set up by the Ministry of Environment ,Forests, Climate Change under the Environment Protection Act, 1986
for the NCR [Delhi] region. It was reconstituted in 2016 due to SC orders.

Miscellaneous Facts

World Meteorological Organization

WMO has 5 regional bodies which name the cyclones in their respective regions. The regional office for the Indian
Ocean is at Indian Meteorological Department, Delhi. The countries in this region have to prepare a list of names. The
rules for deciding these names can be set by the country on its own. Local names are preferred and controversial names
are avoided. If a storm has been very disastrous then its name isn't reused.

Solved Question Papers

Q.Consider the following statements:

1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farm-
ers.
2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2015)

1 only
Page 54 of 63
2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . B

The government of India launched Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Program (AIBP) in 1996-97. This program was
launched to give loan assistance to the states to help them a few major irrigation projects which were in advanced stage
of completion.
The Command Area Development Programme was launched as a Centrally-sponsored scheme in 1974-75 with the main
objectives of improving utilization of irrigation potential and optimizing agricultural productivity and production from the ir-
rigated areas by integrating all functions related with irrigated agriculture.

Q.Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting sub-
stances? (UPSC CSAT 2015)

Bretton Woods Conference

Montreal Protocol

Kyoto Protocol

Nagoya Protocol

Ans . B

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (a protocol to the Vienna Convention for the Protec-
tion of the Ozone Layer) is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of
numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion.
Bretton Woods conference relates to IMF and World Bank. Kyoto Protocol is about cutting emissions of greenhouse
gases. Nagoya protocol is about benefit sharing from the gains by genetic resources.

Q. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’
is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.
Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

None

Ans . A

Sunlight energizes and causes electrons in the photovoltaic semiconductor to flow , creating an electrical current. Photo-
voltaic devices convert optional radiation into electricity.
Several solar thermal systems can collect and transform radiant energy received from the sun into high temperature ther-
mal (heat) energy , which can be used directly or converted into electricity.
Chapter 11: INDIAN ORGANIZATIONS
Page 55 of 63
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Animal Welfare Board of India

The board is a statutory advisory body created under the Prevention of cruelty to animals act. Such a body was unique to
the world. It was setup in 1962 to advice on animal welfare laws and policy making. HQ - Chennai. Board has 28 mem-
bers with a three year term but can be renewed.
Functions and Powers:
To advice central government on an amendments needed in the Prevention of cruelty to animals act.
Advice center and state on rules to be made for animal welfare.
Establish centers or provide grants to centers for rescue homes and animal shelters.
Devise humane ways for slaughtering of animals by local authorities and slaughter houses.
Central Zoo Authority

Statutory body under Wildlife Protection Act to regulate and form standards for establishment and recognition of zoos
and ensure welfare of animals in them.
Functions:
To set standards for upkeep of zoos and recognise and derecognize zoos.
Assign endangered species to zoos for nurturing.
To undertake training programs for zoo personnel, coordinate and research in captive breeding, provide technical and
other assistance to zoos.
To undertake other actions with regards to zoos as may be necessary under the act.
National Biodiversity Authority

Biodiversity Act, 2002 has created NBA and state biodiversity boards and biodiversity management committees. It is cre-
ated to ensure fair and equitable benefits sharing that arise out of research on Indian biodiversity. Anyone seeking to ob -
tain intellectual property rights to knowledge obtained out of research on biological resources has to obtain permission of
NBA. NBA can impose conditions for approving grant of approvals. It also advices state governments to denote certain
natural sites as heritage sites.
State biodiversity boards grants approval for bio-survey or bio-utilization or commercialization of biological resource by
Indians.At local level, Biodiversity management committees are created for conservation, sustainable use and documen-
tation of biodiversity.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
Statutory body created under Wildlife protection act to complement the efforts of states to prevent illegal activities related
to wildlife like smuggling, poaching.
Functions:

Collect, collate and disseminate intelligence and help form wildlife data bank.
Coordinate enforcement activities of various agencies for implementing this act.
Implementation of obligations under various international conventions and protocols.
Assistance to foreign agencies for wildlife crime control, capacity building of officers and advice central and state govern-
ments on policies and laws.
National Ganga river basin authority
Constituted under Environment protection act in 2009 as a statutory body headed by the PM. The main functions are
conservation and abatement of pollution of Ganga the national river. Chief ministers of a few states through which the
river passes are also members. Authority has development and regulatory functions.
Collection and dissemination of information, implement conservation of river basin, reduction of pollution by issuing direc-
tives are its main functions. The ministry in charge of this body is Water resources ministry.
National Green Tribunal

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It was created under the NGT Act for handling all cases related to Environmental issues.
It can have 20 members each from Judicial background and Expert members. It has powers of a civil court and is guided
by Principles of Natural Justice. The judicial members have to be SC Judge or Chief Justice of High courts. Appeals
against the orders of NGT have to be made to SC and within 90 days.
The cases filed under NGT have to be disposed within 6 months. HQ - Delhi with regional benches at Bhopal, Pune,
Kolkata and Chennai.
National Board of Wildlife
It is constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act. PM is the chairman of the board and the vice chairman is the Union
minister for Environment and forests.
The other members are MP's, Secretaries of the government of India from relevant departments, ecologists, conserva-
tionists , heads of Research institutes etc.

Functions of the Board:

Carry out Environment impact assessment for projects.

Making recommendations on the setting up of and management of national parks, sanctuaries and other protected ar-
eas.

Decide on restriction of activities in those protected areas;

Reviewing the progress of measures taken for wildlife safety.

Frame policies for wildlife protection, forests and curbing illegal poaching.

No state can alter a Tiger reserve without approval of this body.

Publish reports on state of wild life in India.

Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee

It works under the Dept of Biotechnology, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate change.
It approves field trials for genetically modified crops.
It can revoke, prohibit and take punitive action for non compliance.
It approves use of microbes in research, production from environmental point.

Solved Question Papers

Q.With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2015)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

Page 57 of 63
BirdLife international is a global partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats
and global biodiversity, working with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources.
It is the World’s largest partnership of conservation organisations, with over 120 partner organizations 120 partner orga-
nizations. Together the BirdLife Partnership forms the leading authority on the status of birds, their habitats and the is-
sues and problems affecting bird life.

Q.With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Conven-
tion on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements
is/are correct?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (UPSC CSAT 2015)

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . B

IUCN is a voluntary organization, not an agency of United Nations.

CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN). States (countries) adhere voluntarily to the agreement.
Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words they have to implement the Convention – it does not
take the place of national laws. Rather it provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which has to adopt its own
domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level.

Q.Consider the following statements:

Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only

2 and 3 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . B

Animal Welfare Board was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
NGRBA chaired by PM

Q.With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements :
It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 3 only

Page 58 of 63
2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

BNHS is designated as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by Department of Science & Technol-
ogy.

Chapter 12: INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

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Agenda 21

The comprehensive blueprint of action to be taken at global, national and local levels. It was the outcome of the UN Con-
vention on Environment and Development. The number 21 refers to the agenda for the 21st century. The local agenda
21 was the to be implemented at the local body level.

Convention on biological diversity: CBD

It is a legally binding convention for conservation of biodiversity. It also allows for sustainable use of resources and fair
and equitable sharing of benefits obtained out of genetic research.

The Cartegena protocol on biosafety was to implement the CBD. It recognized the importance of protecting human
health and environment from the adverse effects of biotechnology products. It has rules to ensure safe handling, transfer
and use of living modified organisms arising out of biotechnology. Nagoya protocol on Fair and equitable sharing of
benefits out of genetic research too was implemented to ensure achievement of one objective o CBD.

The Aichi biodiversity targets [2011-2020] were proposed to reduce the damage to biodiversity at all levels and to con-
tribute to benefit of all life on Earth. The Strategic goals where to address underlying causes of biodiversity loss by main -
streaming biodiversity across government and society; Reduce direct pressure on biodiversity and promote sustainable
use; To safeguard all ecosystems; Enhance benefits to all from biodiversity.

Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol

The Vienna convention was created for protection of ozone layer from depletion. However it wasn't a legally binding
treaty with targets and so the Montreal protocol was framed. This protocol wanted to phase out all ozone depleting sub-
stances like chloro-flouro carbons etc from production and use.Countries were given financial incentives to chalk out and
implement strategies to move towards newer eco-friendly technologies.

Globally important agriculture heritage systems

Food and agriculture organization of the UN recognizes GIAHS as regions having globally significant biodiversity and re-
markable land use where a community has adapted its production processes of agriculture to suit the ecology of the re -
gions. India has two such regions in Odissa and Kerela. In kerela the farmers are using a technique perfected over 150
years to grow rice and other crops in sea water.

UN Convention to Combat desertification

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Signed in 1994 as a legally binding procedure for sustainable land use. The participation of local communities is encour-
aged here due to the bottom up approach. Desertification here means land degradation in dryland areas and not expan-
sion of deserts. The aim of the convention is to combat desertification and in turn help in achieving Millenium develop-
ment goals, sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Initial material on Ramsar convention can be read here -->Ramsar Convention.

It is an inter government treaty on conservation of wetlands. The main pillars of the convention are land use planning for
proper and sustainable use of wetlands, designate suitable sites on the Ramsar list and coordinate internationally for
shared wetlands systems. India has 26 sites in the list [2012] and is actively involved in their conservation. Any threat-
ened site is put under Montreaux record where a team is setup for advise on its conservation. India joined this con-
vention in 1981.
Kyoto Protocol

It places binding obligations on industrialized countries to reduce emissions of Green house gases.
UNFCCC signatories come every year to organize a Conference of Parties, where they discuss strategies to combat cli-
mate change.
Annex I are developed nations which have binding targets.
Annex II are the subgroups in the developed nations that have to support developing countries by providing funds.
Annex A are the GHG like Carbon dioxide, CFC, Sulfur hexafluoride, Nitrous oxide, Perfluorocarbons.
Target given to developed countries was to reduce emissions to 5% below 1990's levels by 2008-2012. However US and
Canada did not accept this as they wanted even developing nations to bear emission cuts.

Solved Question Papers

Q.With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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 their devel-
opment policies and budgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development
(WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 and 2 only

3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Ans . A

EuropeAid (DG for International Cooperation and Development) drives and oversees the overall implementation of the
GCCA
Page 60 of 63
Q.Consider the following statements:
1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of
countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2017)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . B

CCAC was formed in 2012 by UNEP and Ghana, Bangladesh etc. countries.
They focus on Short Lived Climate Pollutants such as methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Q.BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the (UPSC CSAT 2015)

Asian Development Bank

International Monetary Fund

United Nations Environment Programme

World Bank

Ans . D

The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is a multilateral fund, supported by donor gov-
ernments and managed by the World Bank.

Q.Consider the following countries:

Denmark
Japan
Russian Federation
United Kingdom
United States of America
Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council ‘? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1, 2 and 3

2, 3 and 4

1, 4 and 5

1, 3 and 5

Ans . D

The Arctic Council consists of the eight Arctic States: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and
the United States. So, Japan and UK not members.
India got observer status in 2013.
Page 61 of 63
Q.With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change’.

It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level

It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific
aim to protect their environment.

Both (a) and (b)

Ans . A

It is a program under World Bank

Q.If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply? (UPSC CSAT
2014)

Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human
interference.

The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilo meters from
the edge of the wetland

The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and
therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed

It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’

Ans . A

Ramsar sites=> Montreux record is the record of Ramsar siets where Changes in ecological character have occurred,
are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.

Q. With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better poli-
cies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.(UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Ans . B

This organization is in partnership but not formed by Ramsar convention. The organization was formed in 1954 and
Ramsar convention was signed in 1971.
it provides advice to governments.

Page 62 of 63
Q.Consider the following international agreements:
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 2 only

3 only,

1 and 3 only

1, 2. and 3

Ans .

Article 6 of the treaty on Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources has this clause “pursuing fair agricultural policies
that promote… use of agricultural biological diversity
UNCCD collaborates closely with Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
There are five conventions in biodiversity and natural heritage - and World Heritage Convention (1972)

Q.Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’

It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct (UPSC CSAT 2014)

1 and 3 only

2 only

2 and 3 only.

1, 2 and 3

Ans . C

It’s a symbolic global initiative by World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Q.Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes
plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes? (UPSC CSAT 2014)

Bhutia and Lepcha

Gond and Korku

lrula and Toda

Sahariya and Agariya

Ans . B

Page 63 of 63