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Cheat Sheet: Environment | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Key Concepts

  • Ecology: Study of interaction between organisms and their environment.
  • Ecosystem: A functional unit of nature (e.g., forest, coral reef, pond).
  • Biodiversity: Variety of life forms at genetic, species & ecosystem levels.
  • Sustainability: Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.

Major Environmental Issues

Cheat Sheet: Environment | Geography for UPSC CSE

Important Environmental Laws in India

Cheat Sheet: Environment | Geography for UPSC CSE

Institutions & Policies

  • MoEFCC: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
  • CPCB & SPCBs: Central and State Pollution Control Boards
  • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
  • EIA Notification 2006: Mandatory assessment before major projects
  • CAMPA: Fund for afforestation
  • National Mission for Green India: Afforestation + ecosystem restoration

International Conventions (India is a party to)

Cheat Sheet: Environment | Geography for UPSC CSE

Major Environmental Programs (India)

Cheat Sheet: Environment | Geography for UPSC CSE

Current Case Studies (2023–2025)

Cheat Sheet: Environment | Geography for UPSC CSE

Climate Change Impact on India

  • Agriculture: Lower yields due to erratic rainfall
  • Water Security: Himalayan glacier retreat affecting rivers
  • Health: Heatwaves, vector-borne diseases
  • Migration: Climate refugees in coastal & drought-prone regions
  • Biodiversity: Coral bleaching, habitat shifts in Western Ghats

Important Pointers

  • Carbon Markets Bill (2023): For domestic carbon trading
  • Green Credit Programme (2023): Incentivising afforestation
  • Bioenergy Mission (2024): To promote biomass-based energy
  • PM-PRANAM (2023): Reduce chemical fertilizers usage
The document Cheat Sheet: Environment | Geography for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Geography for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Cheat Sheet: Environment - Geography for UPSC CSE

1. What are the major environmental issues currently facing India?
Ans. India faces several significant environmental issues, including air pollution, water scarcity, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, waste management challenges, and climate change impacts. Urbanization and industrialization have contributed to deteriorating air quality, while over-extraction of water resources has led to severe water shortages in many regions. Additionally, climate change poses threats such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and shifts in agricultural productivity.
2. What are some important environmental laws in India?
Ans. Key environmental laws in India include the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which provides a framework for environmental protection and management, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, aimed at preventing and controlling water pollution. Other significant regulations include the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which focus on conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife.
3. Which international conventions is India a party to regarding environmental protection?
Ans. India is a party to several international environmental conventions, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These agreements aim to address global environmental challenges, promote sustainable development, and protect biodiversity and natural habitats.
4. What major environmental programs has India initiated to address its environmental issues?
Ans. India has launched several major environmental programs, such as the National Afforestation Program aimed at increasing forest cover, the Swachh Bharat Mission focused on sanitation and waste management, and the National Clean Air Program designed to reduce air pollution in cities. Additionally, initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana promote clean cooking fuel to improve air quality and health outcomes.
5. How is climate change impacting India?
Ans. Climate change is having profound effects on India, including increased frequency of extreme weather events like floods and droughts, rising temperatures, and altered monsoon patterns. These changes threaten agricultural productivity, water availability, and public health. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, affecting millions of people living in these regions. The impact of climate change necessitates urgent adaptation and mitigation strategies to safeguard livelihoods and ecosystems.
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