Environmental and Ecology 1

Environment and Ecology PYQ Notes 2011-2022 (Sample)

Table of Contents
E-waste................................................................................................................................................ 2
Carbon Credits: ................................................................................................................................... 5
Indian Wild Buffalo: ............................................................................................................................ 7
Indian wild ass: ................................................................................................................................... 7
Indian wild boar: ................................................................................................................................ 7
Indian gazelle:..................................................................................................................................... 7
Theory ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Acts related to Biodiversity Conservation in India:............................................................................. 8
National Biodiversity Authority......................................................................................................... 10
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):.......................................................................... 11
Tiger Reserves: ................................................................................................................................. 12
International Union for Conservation of Nature - ............................................................................ 14
Critically Endangered species in India -............................................................................................. 15
Endangered species in India - ........................................................................................................... 15
Oryx ................................................................................................................................................... 16
Chiru: ................................................................................................................................................. 17
Carbon sequestration ....................................................................................................................... 18
Types of Carbon Sequestration:........................................................................................................ 18
Zero tillage: ....................................................................................................................................... 19
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture- ............................ 20
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification- ............................................................ 20
The World Heritage Convention- ...................................................................................................... 20
Conservation of Biodiversity ............................................................................................................ 21
Biosphere Reserves in India ............................................................................................................. 21
Differences between Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserves and National Parks ...................... 24
West Texas Intermediate ................................................................................................................. 26
Thermal power plant emissions ...................................................................................................... 27
Installed Power Capacity in India .................................................................................................... 28
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) ............................................................................................................. 31
BioCarbon Fund Initiative ................................................................................................................. 32

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 Environmental and Ecology 2

World Bank........................................................................................................................................ 32
Asian Development Bank .................................................................................................................. 33
International Monetary Fund ........................................................................................................... 33
United Nations Environment Programme ........................................................................................ 33

87. Due to improper/ indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their 2013-I
parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Answer: b

E-waste

• The disposed off electrical or electronic devices are termed as electronic waste or e-
waste.
• The discarded computers, CPUs, etc. contain harmful materials such as lead, cadmium,
beryllium, etc.
• Following are some examples of the e-waste components:

1. Cathode ray tubes

2. Printed circuit boards

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 Environmental and Ecology 3

3. Chips and other gold-plated components

4. Plastics from printers, keyboards, monitors, etc.
5. Computer wires

The table mentioned below shall provide some of the prominent elements found in the e-
wastes and their harmful effects:

Elements Harmful effects

1. Lead affects the nervous system
that leads to behavioural
changes, lower IQ, also has a
negative impact on kidneys
2. Mercury exposure to mercury causes
dermatitis, sensory
impairment, memory loss,
muscle weakness, reduced
fertility, etc.
3. Cadmium it is the cause of severe lung
and kidney damages, and in
children, it may cause
learning and neuromotor
defects
4. Chromium it has carcinogenic properties
and may also result in
damaging of DNA.
5. Beryllium it can cause beryllium
sensitization, chronic
beryllium disease, acute
beryllium disease, and lung
cancer.
6. PVC (Polyvinyl the bioaccumulation of
chloride) chlorine over a period of time

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 Environmental and Ecology 4

results in air, water, and soil

pollution; and can lead to
reproductive and
developmental health
effects.
7. PFOA it has severe impact on the
(Perfluorooctanoic acid) pregnant women as it may
lead to spontaneous
abortions, stillbirth, low birth
weight, etc.
8. Sulphur it can damage the heart,
kidneys, and liver.
9. BFRs (Brominated it may lead to thyroid
Flame Retardants) problems, liver problems,
improper development of
nervous system, etc.

Recycling of e-waste is very important as the elements are highly toxic and can cause
serious health implications. Thus, recycling is an important step of e-waste
management. Informal processing has adverse effect on environment and human
health; hence awareness must be spread by the local authorities among the
consumers.

55. Regarding “carbon credits’’, which one of the following statements is not 2011-I
correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto
Protocol.
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced
greenhouse gases below their emission quota.

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 Environmental and Ecology 5

(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon
dioxide emission.
(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United
Nations Environment Programme.

Answer: d

Carbon Credits:

o A carbon credit is a tradable permit or certificate that provides the holder of

the credit the right to emit one ton of carbon dioxide or an equivalent of
another greenhouse gas – it’s essentially an offset for producers of such gases.
o The main goal for the creation of carbon credits is the reduction of emissions
of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from industrial activities to
reduce the effects of global warming.
o Carbon credits are market mechanisms for the minimization of greenhouse
gases emission.
o Governments or regulatory authorities set the caps on greenhouse gas
emissions.
o For some companies, the immediate reduction of the emission is not
economically viable. Therefore, they can purchase carbon credits to comply
with the emission cap. Companies that achieve the carbon offsets (reducing
the emissions of greenhouse gases) are usually rewarded with additional
carbon credits.
o The sale of credit surpluses may be used to subsidize future projects for the
reduction of emissions.
o The introduction of such credits was ratified in the Kyoto Protocol.
o The Paris Agreement validates the application of carbon credits and sets the
provisions for the further facilitation of the carbon credits markets.

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 Environmental and Ecology 6

• Carbon credits can be traded on both private and public markets. Current rules of
trading allow the international transfer of credits.
• The prices of credits are primarily driven by the levels of supply and demand in the
markets. Due to the differences in the supply and demand in different countries, the
prices of the credits fluctuate. Hence, option 4 is not correct.

64. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. 2011-I
The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due
to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that
animal ?
(a) Indian wild buffalo
(b) Indian wild ass
(c) Indian wild boar
(d) Indian gazelle

Answer: b

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 Environmental and Ecology 7

Indian Wild Buffalo:

o The Indian Wild Buffalo is the state animal of Chhattisgarh.

o They are mainly found in the alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps and river
valleys.
o They are generally found in areas that have plenty of water holes and
resources.
o IUCN status: Endangered.

Indian wild ass:

o The Indian wild ass also called the Ghudkhur, Khur, or Indian onager in the local
Gujarati language.
o The major population of Indian WildAss is in Little Rann of Kachchh.
o Saline deserts (Rann of Kutch ), arid grasslands, and shrublands are their
preferred environments.
o The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due
to habitat degradation.
o IUCN status: Near Threatened.

Indian wild boar:

o It is also known as the Andamanese pig or Moupin pig.

o They are mainly found in high crops and causes large damage to
agricultural crops such as Rice, Sugarcane etc.
o IUCN status: Least Concern

Indian gazelle:

o They have been observed in dry deciduous forests, open woodlands, and dry
areas.
o They are primarily found in the north western region of India in the state of
Rajasthan.
o IUCN status: Least Concern.

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70. With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts : 2011-I

1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947

2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
3. Customs Act, 1962
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927
Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity
conservation in the country ?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2,3 and 4 only
(c) 1,2,3 and 4
(d) None of the above Acts

Answer: c

Theory

• Biodiversity is the condition where different species of plants and animals, live
together and depend on each other in the same habitat.

Acts related to Biodiversity Conservation in India:

o Fisheries Act, 1897

o Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914
o The Indian Forest Act, 1927.
▪ The objective of this act is to define the procedure to be followed for
declaring an area as Reserved Forest, Protected Forest, or Village
Forest, to make conservation of forests and wildlife more
accountable. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
o Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marketing) Act, 1937
o Indian Coffee Act, 1942
o Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947.

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 Environmental and Ecology 9

▪ Import and export of GMOs or exotic species are prohibited

whereas certain medicinal plants are subjected to high customs
duties to regulate their trade. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
o Rubber (Production and Marketing) Act, 1947
o Tea Act, 1953
o Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act 1957.
▪ Mining activities, whether occurring within or near Protected Areas,
cause a range of environmental consequences that can be severe and
irreversible. Mining operations and the process of constructing new
mining infrastructure often result in large-scale alteration of the
environment at landscape and ecosystem levels. The clearing of
vegetation is one of the most significant impacts of mining on
biodiversity. Thus mining is restricted in reserved
areas. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
o Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960
o Customs Act, 1962.
▪ Import and export of GMOs or exotic species are prohibited
whereas certain medicinal plants are subjected to high customs
duties to regulate their trade. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
o Spices Board Act, 1986
o Seeds Act, 1966
o The Patents Act, 1970
o Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
o Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
o Tobacco Board Act, 1975
o Territorial Water, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and other
Maritime Zones Act, 1976
o Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
o Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
o Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981
o Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act
1985/1986

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o Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

o National Dairy Development Board Act, 1987
o Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992
o Protection of Plant varieties and Farmer’s Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001
o Biological Diversity Act, 2002
o The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
o Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Act, 2006
o National Green Tribunal Act 2010

72. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the 2012-I
Indian agriculture?
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional
genetic resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic
modification of crop plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological
resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
(a) 1only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

National Biodiversity Authority

• National Biodiversity Authority NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous
and traditional genetic resources.

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 Environmental and Ecology 11

o National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory autonomous body under

the Ministry of Environment, established in 2003 to implement the provisions
under the National Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
o Headquartered in Chennai, India.
o It acts as a facilitative regulatory and advisory body to the Government of
India on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC):

o The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body

constituted under the ‘Rules for the Manufacture, Use /Import /Export and
Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineering Organisms or
Cells, 1989’ notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
o The body also looks into proposals regarding the use of living modified
organism that comes in the risk category III and above in the
import/manufacture of recombinant pharma products, or where the end-
product of the recombinant pharma product is a modified living organism.
o Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

78. Consider the following protected areas: 2012-I

1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) l, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: b

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Tiger Reserves:

o Project Tiger was launched by the Government of India in the year 1973 to
save the endangered species of tiger in the country.
▪ Starting from nine (9) reserves in 1973-2019 the number is grown up
to fifty (50).
▪ A total area of 71027.10 km2 is covered by these Project Tiger areas.
o Recently, the Central government has given its approval for the creation of a
fifth tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu that will encompass the Meghamalai and
Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuaries.
o Bandipur, Manas and Sunderban are declared Tiger reserve, but Bhittarkanika
is not included. Hence, 1, 3 and 4 is the correct answer.

SI. Name of Tiger Reserve State

No.
1. Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Andhra Pradesh
(part)*
2 Namdapha Arunachal
Pradesh
3 Kamlang Tiger Reserve Arunachal
Pradesh
4 Pakke Arunachal
Pradesh
5 Manas Assam
6 Nameri Assam
7 Orang Tiger Reserve Assam
8 Kaziranga Assam
9 Valmiki Bihar
10 Udanti-Sitanadi Chattisgarh
11 Achanakmar Chattisgarh
12 Indravati Chattisgarh
13 Palamau Jharkhand

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14 Bandipur Karnataka
15 Bhadra Karnataka
16 Dandeli-Anshi Karnataka
17 Nagarahole Karnataka
18 Biligiri Ranganatha Karnataka
Temple
19 Periyar Kerala
20 Parambikulam Kerala
21 Kanha Madhya
Pradesh
22 Pench Madhya
Pradesh
23 Bandhavgarh Madhya
Pradesh
24 Panna Madhya
Pradesh
25 Satpura Madhya
Pradesh
26 Sanjay-Dubri Madhya
Pradesh
27 Melghat Maharashtra
28 Tadoba-Andhari Maharashtra
29 Pench Maharashtra
30 Sahyadri Maharashtra
31 Nawegaon-Nagzira Maharashtra
32 Bor Maharashtra
33 Dampa Mizoram
34 Similipal Odisha
35 Satkosia Odisha
36 Ranthambore Rajasthan
37 Sariska Rajasthan

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38 Mukandra Hills Rajasthan

39 Kalakad-Kundanthurai Tamil Nadu
40 Anamalai Tamil Nadu
41 Mudumalai Tamil Nadu
42 Sathyamangalam Tamil Nadu
43 Kawal Telangana
44 Amrabad Telangana
45 Dudhwa Uttar Pradesh
46 Pilibhit Uttar Pradesh
47 Amangarh (buffer of Uttar Pradesh
Corbett TR)
Corbett Uttarakhand
48 Rajaji TR Uttarakhand
49 Sunderbans West Bengal
50 Buxa West Bengal
51 Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tamil Nadu

80. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of 2012-
I
endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

Answer: a

International Union for Conservation of Nature -

o Established in 1964, the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red

List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most

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comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of

animal, fungus, and plant species.
o The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s
biodiversity.
▪ Far more than a list of species and their status, it is a powerful tool to
inform and catalyse action for biodiversity conservation and policy
change, critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive.
▪ It provides information about a range, population size, habitat and
ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions that will
help inform necessary conservation decisions.
o Option 1 contains all species of Endangered group that is either Critically
Endangered or Endangered category of IUCN red list, Hence, option 1 is the
correct answer.

Critically Endangered species in India -

o Andaman White-toothed Shrew

o Himalayan Brown/Red Bear
o Large Rock Rat or Elvira Rat
o Namdapha Flying Squirrel
o Malabar Civet
o Sumatran Rhinoceros
o Kashmir stag/hangul
o Great Indian Bustard

Endangered species in India -

o Tigers
o Asiatic Lion
o Red Panda
o Asiatic Wild Ass
o Dhole/Asiatic wild dog or Indian wild dog
o Eld’s deer/thiamin or brow-antlered deer

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o Golden langur
o Himalayan / White-bellied Musk Deer
o Pygmy Hog
o Condana Rat
o Hispid hare/ Assam rabbit
o Hog deer
o Lion-tailed macaque/ wanderoo
o Nilgiri tahr
o Kharai Camel – India’s swimming camels

82. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru? 2012-I

(a) Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to
live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains
(b) Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk
(c) Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India
only
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct

Answer: a

Oryx

• Oryx:
o Oryx living in herds on deserts and dry plains of Africa and the Arabian
Peninsula.
o Classified as coarse grazers, oryxes feed on grasses and energetically dig for
water-storing roots and tubers. They can go without drinking except under the
harshest conditions, but they drink regularly where water is available.
o Oryxes have an unusual social organization that is adapted to a nomadic
existence in desert conditions. Isolation and low population density select
against the dispersal of adolescent males, as is usual in social antelopes.

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Chiru:

o Chiru also called Tibetan antelope, a small, gregarious, graceful antelope-like

mammal of the family Bovidae (order Artiodactyla) that lives on the high
alpine steppes of the Tibetan Plateau.
o The chiru is the only genus of large mammals endemic to the Tibetan Plateau.
o Despite its antelope-like appearance, the chiru is not related to antelopes or
to gazelles but represents the last remnant of a group of ruminants that split
off from the sheep, goat, and goat antelope lineages during the Neogene
Period.
o It was extremely abundant on the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding high-
elevation alpine steppes, but now it survives only in the extreme climate of the
Tibetan Plateau.

84. Consider the following agricultural practices: 2012-I

1. Contour bunding
2. Relay cropping
3. Zero tillage

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In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in

carbon sequestration/storage in the soil?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of them

Answer: b

Carbon sequestration

• It is the long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, geologic formations, and the
ocean.
• It occurs both naturally and as a result of anthropogenic activities and typically refers
to the storage of carbon.

Types of Carbon Sequestration:

• Ocean Carbon Sequestration:

o Oceans absorb, release and store large amounts of Carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere.
o An abundance of phytoplankton production in oceans leads to enhanced
photosynthesis which helps in Carbon dioxide absorption.
• Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration:
o Terrestrial carbon sequestration is the process through which Carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere is absorbed by trees and plants through photosynthesis
and stored as carbon in soils and biomass (tree trunks, branches, foliage, and
roots).
• Geologic Carbon Sequestration:
o CO2 can be stored, including oil reservoirs, gas reservoirs, unmineable coal
seams, saline formations and shale formations with high organic content.

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Zero tillage:

o It is the process where the crop seed will be sown through drillers without prior
land preparation and disturbing the soil where previous crop stubbles are
present.
o Zero tillage not only reduces the cost of cultivation it also reduces the soil
erosion, crop duration, and irrigation requirement, and weed effect which is
better than tillage.

Advantages of zero tillage:

▪ Reduction in the crop duration and thereby early cropping can be

obtained to get higher yields.
▪ Reduction in the cost of inputs for land preparation and therefore a
saving of around 80%.
▪ Residual moisture can be effectively utilized and the number
of irrigations can be reduced.
▪ Dry matter and organic matter get added to the soil.
▪ Environmentally safe - The greenhouse effect will get reduced due to
carbon sequestration. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
▪ No-tillage reduces the compaction of the soil and reduces the water
loss by runoff and prevents soil erosion.
▪ As the soil is intact and no disturbance is done, No-Till lands have more
useful flora and fauna.

• Contour bunding (or contour bundling), which involves the placement of lines of
stones along with the natural rises of a landscape, and contour farming. These
techniques help to capture and hold rainfall before it can become runoff. Hence,
statement 1 is not correct.
• Relay cropping is essentially a special version of double cropping, where the second
crop is planted into the first crop before harvest, rather than waiting until after harvest
as in true double-cropping. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

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97. Consider the following international agreements: 2013-I

1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and

Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture-

o It was adopted by the 31st session of the Conference of the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations on 3rd November 2001.
o It is also known as the Seed Treaty.
o India is a signatory to the treaty.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification-

o It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and

development to sustainable land management.
o The convention was drafted and opened for signing in 1994. It
became effective in 1996 after receiving 50 ratifications.
o Aim: Its 197 Parties aim, through partnerships, to implement the Convention
and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The World Heritage Convention-

o Created in 1972, the primary mission of the Convention is to identify and

protect the world's natural and cultural heritage considered to be of
outstanding universal value.

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o It is a Convention under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

111. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together 2014-I
with traditional human life is the establishment of
(a) biosphere reserves
(b) botanical gardens
(c) national parks
(d) wildlife sanctuaries

Answer: a

Conservation of Biodiversity

• The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with
traditional human life is the establishment of biosphere reserves.

Biosphere Reserves in India

▪ These reserves are established to protect larger areas of natural

habitat than a typical national park or animal sanctuary.
▪ The site must contain a protected and minimally disturbed core area of
value of nature conservation.
▪ Sustainable development of reserves is based on local community
efforts.
▪ It includes terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems.
▪ There are 18 biosphere reserves in India.

S. Date of
Name Area (in km2) Location (State)
No. Notification

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 Environmental and Ecology 22

Part of Wayanad,
Nagarhole, Bandipur and
5520
Madumalai, Nilambur,
1 Nilgiri 01.09.1986 (Core 1240 & Buffer
Silent Valley and Siruvani
4280)
hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala
and Karnataka).

5860.69 Part of Chamoli,

(Core 712.12, Pithoragarh, and
2 Nanda Devi 18.01.1988
Buffer 5,148.570) & Bageshwar districts
T. 546.34) (Uttarakhand).

820
(Core 47.48 & Buffer Part of Garo hills
3 Nokrek 01.09.1988
227.92, Transition (Meghalaya).
Zone 544.60)

Southern most islands of

885 (Core 705 &
4 Great Nicobar 06.01.1989 Andaman And Nicobar
Buffer 180)
(A&N Islands).

10,500 km2 Indian part of Gulf of

Total Gulf area Mannar between India
5 Gulf of Mannar 18.02.1989
(area of and Sri Lanka (Tamil
Islands 5.55 km2) Nadu).

Part of Kokrajhar,
2837
Bongaigaon, Barpeta,
6 Manas 14.03.1989 (Core 391 & Buffer
Nalbari, Kamprup and
2,446)
Darang districts (Assam)

Part of delta of Ganges

9630
and Brahamaputra river
7 Sunderbans 29.03.1989 (Core 1700 &
system
Buffer 7900)
(West Bengal).

4374 Part of Mayurbhanj district

8 Simlipal 21.06.1994
(Core 845, Buffer (Orissa).

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 Environmental and Ecology 23

2129 & Transition

1400

765
Part of Dibrugarh and
9 Dibru-Saikhowa 28.07.1997 (Core 340 & Buffer
Tinsukia Districts (Assam)
425)

5111.50 Part of Siang and Dibang

10 Dehang-Dibang 02.09.1998 (Core 4094.80 Valley in Arunachal
&Buffer 1016.70) Pradesh.

Parts of Betul,
Hoshangabad and
11 Pachmarhi 03.03.1999 4926
Chindwara districts of
Madhya Pradesh.

2619.92 Parts of
12 Khangchendzonga 07.02.2000 (Core 1819.34 & Khangchendzonga hills
Buffer 835.92) and Sikkim.

Neyyar, Peppara and

Shendurney Wildlife
13 Agasthyamalai 12.11.2001 1828
Sanctuaries and their
adjoining areas in Kerala.

Covers parts of Anupur

3835.51 and Dindori districts of
Achanakamar
14 30.3.2005 (Core 551.55 & M.P. and parts of Bilaspur
- Amarkantak
Buffer 3283.86) districts of Chhattishgarh
State.

Part of Kachchh, Rajkot,

Surendra Nagar and Patan
15 Kachchh 29.01.2008 12,454 km2
Civil Districts of Gujarat
State

Pin Valley National Park

and surroundings;
16 Cold Desert 28.08.2009 7770
Chandratal and
Sarchu&Kibber Wildlife

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Sancturary in Himachal
Pradesh

Seshachalam Hill Ranges

covering parts of Chittoor
17 Seshachalam Hills 20.09.2010 4755.997
and Kadapa districts of
Andhra Pradesh

Part of Panna and

18 Panna 25.08.2011 2998.98 Chhattarpur districts in
Madhya Pradesh

Source: Wildlife Institute of India

• Botanical gardens
o It is a place where ferns, conifers and flowering plants are grown and displayed
for the purposes of research and education.
• National Park
o This is an area set aside by a national government to preserve the natural
environment.
o This area is maintained for the purpose of protecting & propagating or
developing wildlife therein or its environment.
o There are 101 existing national parks in India covering an area of 1.23% of the
geographical area of the country.
• Wildlife sanctuaries
o This is an area where animal habitats and their surroundings are protected
from any sort of disturbance. The capturing, killing and poaching of animals is
strictly prohibited in these regions.
o There are 553 existing wildlife sanctuaries in India covering 3.64 % of the
geographical area in India.

Differences between Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserves and National Parks

Wildlife Sanctuary Biosphere Reserves National Parks

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 Environmental and Ecology 25

It is a natural habitat, A reserved area of land Notified areas that cover a

owned by the government established by the larger area of land which
or private agency, that government to protect the may cover multiple
safeguards a particular environment as a whole National Parks,
species of birds and Sanctuaries, and reserves
animals as well.
Animals, birds, insects, Meant to preserve the Flora, fauna, landscape,
reptiles, etc biodiversity of a specified area historical objects, etc
Restrictions are less and A typical biosphere reserve is Highly restricted, random
open to visitations by the divided into the following access to the general
general public public is not allowed
• Core (no human
activity is there),
• Buffer (limited human
activity is permitted),
• Manipulation zone
(several human
activities can occur in
this zone).

Not required Subject to the particular area Permission is required

of the biosphere reserve

8. The term ‘West Texas Intermediate’, sometimes found in news, refers to a 2020-I
grade of
(a) Crude oil
(b) Bullion
(c) Rare earth elements
(d) Uranium

Answer: a

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 Environmental and Ecology 26

West Texas Intermediate

• There are about 160 crude oils that are traded internationally. They vary in terms of
their characteristics & quality.
• West Texas Intermediate and Brent Crude oil are two major types of crude oil
benchmarks at the international arena.
• Comparison of WTI and Brent Crude oil is as follows-

WTI Brent
Benchmark for oil Benchmark for crude oil
extracted obtained from the North Sea
from America near Norway, Sweden, and
the United Kingdom
Benchmark used Benchmark used for OPEC
by US Oil Prices oil prices
Traded on New York Traded on International
Mercantile Exchange, London
Exchange
Low share at Two-third of the world's
international trade crude contracts are signed in
but futuristic Brent oil benchmark
opportunities

Key Points

Other important benchmarks are as follows-

NYMEX Futures-

• represents the market-determined value of a futures contract to either buy or sell

1,000 barrels (@ per barrel rate) of WTI at a specified time.

OPEC basket price-

• OPEC collects pricing data on a "basket" of seven crude oils:

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 Environmental and Ecology 27

o Algeria's Saharan Blend

o Indonesia's Minas
o Nigeria's Bonny Light
o Saudi Arabia's Arab Light
o Dubai's Fateh
o Venezuela's Tia Juana Light and

9. Consider the following: 2011-

I
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Oxides of sulphur
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at
thermal power plants?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

Thermal power plant emissions

• Thermal Power Plant Emissions:

o The water runoff from coal washeries carries pollution loads of heavy metals
that contaminate groundwater, river and lakes, thus, affecting aquatic flora
and fauna.
o Fly ash residues and pollutants settle on soil contaminating lands and are
especially harmful to agriculture.
o Generally, Indian coals have a lower calorific value and ash content is more (up
to 40%).
o Combustion of coal in coal-fired power plants releases emissions of
▪ Sulfur dioxide (SO2),

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 Environmental and Ecology 28

▪ Nitrogen oxides (NOx),

▪ Particulate matter (PM),
▪ Carbon monoxide (CO), and
▪ Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Hence, 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
▪ The PM in the flue gas also contains high concentrations of heavy
metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, copper and zinc.
▪ Chronic and acute exposure to these pollutants has health
impacts that include respiratory illnesses, compromised
immune systems, cardiovascular conditions, cancer and even
premature death.
▪ The people living nearby the plants are severely affected.
▪ While the impact of the emissions is felt within 200 km of the
power plants, under windy conditions the influence can be
tracked to distances as far as 400 km from the source region.
▪ Another pollutant is carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas and is
considered the main source of global warming.

Installed Power Capacity in India

1.Total Installed Capacity (As on 31.01.2023) - Source: Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

INSTALLED GENERATION CAPACITY (SECTOR WISE) AS ON 31.01.2023

Sector MW % of Total

Central Sector 99,455 24.2%

State Sector 1,04,922 25.4%

Private Sector 2,07,272 50.4%

Total 4,11,649

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 Environmental and Ecology 29

Installed GENERATION CAPACITY(FUELWISE) AS ON 31.01.2023

CATAGORY INSTALLED % of SHARE IN Total

GENERATION
CAPACITY(MW)

Fossil Fuel

Coal 204,435 49.7%

Lignite 6,620 1.6%

Gas 24,824 6.1%

Diesel 589 0.1%

Total Fossil Fuel 2,36,469 57.4 %

Non-Fossil Fuel

RES (Incl. Hydro) 168,400 40.9%

Hydro 46,850 11.4 %

Wind, Solar & Other RE 121,550 29.5 %

Wind 41,983 10.2 %

Solar 63,894 15.1 %

BM Power/Cogen 10,210 2.5 %

Waste to Energy 523 0.1 %

Small Hydro Power 4,940 1.2 %

Nuclear 6,780 1.6%

Total Non-Fossil Fuel 175,180 42.5%

Total Installed Capacity 4,11,649 100%

(Fossil Fuel & Non-Fossil Fuel)

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 Environmental and Ecology 30

• Why India is still depended on coal for its electricity generation? (Asked in UPSC
Mains exam)
o In spite of emissions of many harmful substances from coal-fired plants, we
depend on most for electricity.
o It is because these have some strategic advantages over other sources.
▪ The main advantage is that its fuel coal is available in plenty in many
countries.
▪ In our county, the coal will last for another hundred years.
▪ India is the world’s third-largest coal-producing country and the
fourth largest coal importer.
▪ The cost of the generation of electricity from coal is cheaper than
other sources.
▪ Further, its technology is well-established and it takes three to four
years for installation from concept to commissioning.
▪ The most crucial reason is that there is no alternate source to
quantitatively substitute thermal power at present.
▪ The other conventional sources of power are
a hydroelectric and nuclear power.
▪ In India, the share of hydroelectric power has come down from
more than 50% at the time of independence to 14% now due to
resettlement and rehabilitation and other problems.

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 Environmental and Ecology 31

▪ Similarly, share of nuclear power is not improving due to several

reasons.
▪ Although the installation of wind power and solar power is
rapidly progressing, it will take some years to fully depend on
them.

Due to these reasons, thermal power has become a favourite to planners, although it comes
with significant costs to the environment and human health.

5. Consider the following statements: 2012-

I
Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used
1. In the production of plastic foams
2. In the production of tubeless tyres
3. In cleaning certain electronic components
4. As pressurizing agents in aerosol cans
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: c

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are known to contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer in
the Earth's atmosphere. The production and use of CFCs have been regulated under the
Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer.

1. CFCs are used in the production of plastic foams, such as foam insulation, foam
packaging, and foam cushions.
2. CFCs are not used in the production of tubeless tires.
3. CFCs are used in cleaning certain electronic components because they are non-
flammable, non-corrosive, and have excellent solvency for grease and oil.
4. CFCs were once used as propellants in aerosol cans, but they have been phased out
and replaced with alternative propellants.

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 Environmental and Ecology 32

Therefore, statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct, and statement 2 is incorrect.

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, non-flammable chemicals containing

atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine.
o They are used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams
and packing materials, solvents, and as refrigerants.

119. 'BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes' is managed by 2015-I
the
(a) Asian Development Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) United Nations Environment Programme
(d) World Bank

Answer: d

BioCarbon Fund Initiative

• The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is a

multilateral fund, supported by donor governments and managed by the World Bank.
• It seeks to promote reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the land sector, from
deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+), and from
sustainable agriculture, as well as smarter land-use planning, policies and practices.

World Bank

• The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants
to the governments of poorer countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development, and the International Development Association.
• It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States.

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 Environmental and Ecology 33

Asian Development Bank

• The Asian Development Bank is a regional development bank established on 19

December 1966.
• It is headquartered in Mandaluyong, Manila, Philippines.
• It aims to promote social and economic development in Asia.
• ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia
and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

International Monetary Fund

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 189 member countries.

• It was created in 1945.
• The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary
system.
• It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States.

United Nations Environment Programme

• The United Nations Environment Programme is responsible for coordinating the UN's
environmental activities and assisting developing countries in implementing
environmentally sound policies and practices.
• It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

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