APPSC Group 1 Mains 2017-Science and Technology

Examine the role of the National Green Tribunal in providing speedy justice in environmental matters by quoting its recent decisions.

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Examining the Role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Providing Speedy Justice in Environmental Matters Introduction: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, is a specialized body in India dedicated to handling environmental disputes. Its primary mandate is to provide speedy and effective environmental justice, addressing issues related … Read more

Briefly describe the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and its adoption in India’s disaster management policy.

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The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and its Adoption in India Introduction: The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) is a global agreement adopted by the United Nations in 2015. It succeeds the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) and represents a significant shift towards a more comprehensive and proactive approach to disaster risk … Read more

Describe the role of Information Technology in environmental conservation.

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The Role of Information Technology in Environmental Conservation Introduction: Environmental conservation, the protection and sustainable management of natural resources, faces unprecedented challenges in the 21st century. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution demand innovative solutions, and Information Technology (IT) is emerging as a crucial tool in addressing these issues. From monitoring deforestation to predicting climate … Read more

What effects does PM2.5 fine particulate matter have on the health of individuals in urban regions of India and across the world? Discuss.

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The Devastating Impact of PM2.5 on Global and Indian Urban Health Introduction: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, poses a significant threat to public health globally. These minuscule particles, invisible to the naked eye, penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing a range … Read more

Recent observations have shown that the ozone layer over Antarctica shows signs of healing. Critically examine.

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Recent Observations of Ozone Layer Healing Over Antarctica: A Critical Examination Introduction: The ozone layer, a vital part of the Earth’s stratosphere, absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Depletion of this layer, primarily caused by the release of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), led to the formation of the Antarctic ozone … Read more

“India’s traditional water management methods are key in the present context.” Examine the statement with special focus on water harvesting and disaster management.

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India’s Traditional Water Management Methods: Relevance in the Present Context Introduction: India’s history is intertwined with ingenious water management systems developed over millennia to cope with its diverse climatic conditions and varying rainfall patterns. These traditional methods, often community-based and environmentally sensitive, offer valuable lessons for addressing contemporary water challenges. The statement “India’s traditional water … Read more

Critically discuss the various challenges and issues arising out of waste management in Indian towns and cities.

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Critically Discussing Waste Management Challenges in Indian Towns and Cities Introduction: India, a rapidly urbanizing nation, faces a monumental challenge in managing its burgeoning waste. The sheer volume of waste generated, coupled with inadequate infrastructure and inefficient systems, leads to significant environmental, health, and social problems. According to a 2019 report by the Central Pollution … Read more

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power over other renewable energy resources? Why is the cost of solar energy decreasing? What is its effect on climate change efforts?

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power Compared to Other Renewables Introduction: Renewable energy sources are crucial for mitigating climate change and ensuring energy security. Among these, solar power, harnessing the sun’s energy through photovoltaic (PV) cells or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, has gained significant traction globally. However, it’s not without its limitations when compared … Read more

Describe the carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles. Cite examples in the Indian context.

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Describing the Carbon and Nitrogen Biogeochemical Cycles: An Indian Context Introduction: Biogeochemical cycles describe the movement of elements through the Earth’s biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Understanding these cycles is crucial for comprehending global environmental changes, particularly climate change and nutrient availability. This response will describe the carbon and nitrogen cycles, highlighting their key processes … Read more

Invasive alien species are the second largest threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction. Discuss the causes with examples.

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Invasive Alien Species: A Major Threat to Biodiversity Introduction: Biodiversity, encompassing the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, is crucial for the planet’s health and human well-being. However, it faces numerous threats, with habitat destruction and invasive alien species (IAS) ranking as the most significant. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy … Read more