GS3 · Topic
Environmental Governance
Environmental impact assessment, clearances, the NGT and regulators, environmental law and its enforcement.
143 UPSC Mains GS3 questions on Environmental Governance that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Public awareness is primary in inculcating environmental consciousness. How does the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) promote environmental awareness?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Environmental GovernancePollution
'Genome editing holds immense potential for crop improvement, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns'. How far do the new guidelines for the safety assessment of genome-edited plants in India, ensure the safety of genetically modified crops?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023
BiotechnologyAgricultural Marketing
Global Pandemic Agreement (2025) recognizes the 'One Health' approach as critical to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Highlight the key features of the agreement, and elaborate on how the One Health approach can help in preventing future pandemics. What steps are needed to integrate this approach into India's environmental and health governance?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Environmental GovernanceBiotechnology
The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Disaster ManagementBiodiversity and Conservation
The Public Accounts Committee has recently flagged concerns about the rising menace of plastic pollution. In this context, highlight the recent initiatives taken by the Government to curb plastic pollution.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
One Health approach is key to preventing future pandemics and preserving ecosystems. Analyze how the Biodiversity and Health Global Action Plan adopted at COP 16 aligns with this vision.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Biodiversity and ConservationClimate Change
'The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation.' Bring out the ecological and socio-economic significance of glaciers. What are the key challenges in preserving them? What measures have been taken at national and international levels towards preservation of glaciers?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Climate ChangeBiodiversity and Conservation
Plastic pollution is emerging as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to address this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
Despite its criticality for the success of the Swachha Bharat Mission, solid waste management in India remains at a sub-optimal level. In this context, suggest long-term technological and institutional solutions towards effective solid-waste management.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
India's approach to deal with water issues in the overall political and security context needs a holistic strategy. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Irrigation and WaterEnvironmental Governance
Why retrofitting Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) in Indian thermal power plants is a more viable and effective option compared to the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
PollutionEnergy
Discuss how the Biodiversity Act, 2002, and the recently notified Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025, promote access and benefit sharing while ensuring the growth of traditional industries.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance
Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
How can biomanufacturing transform today's consumptive manufacturing paradigm to the one based on regenerative principles? Also discuss how BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) aims to foster biomanufacturing in the country.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
BiotechnologyIndustrial Policy and Liberalisation
'The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime in India remains weak and is often reduced to a procedural formality.' In light of this statement, examine the key challenges in EIA implementation and suggest reforms.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Environmental GovernancePollution
Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017–2025
Disaster ManagementBiodiversity and Conservation
Does Shailesh Nayak Committee Report on Coastal Regulation Zone promote sustainable development of coastal areas. Discuss the CRZ 2018 in this regard.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021
Environmental GovernanceBiodiversity and Conservation
Examine the factors that heightens the vulnerability of Indian cities, to urban floods. In light of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines on urban floods, discuss suitable mitigation and management strategy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
The increase in the incidence of factory accidents raises serious concerns. Explain how issues related to inspection have contributed to the problem and suggest some effective measures to handle the situation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Industrial Policy and LiberalisationEnvironmental Governance
"Mangroves contribute significantly to the coastal economy and ecology, but they are threatened by numerous factors". Elaborate. Also, state the measures taken by the government for mangrove conservation and restoration.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance
Marine litter is not just an environmental issue but poses a socio-economic challenge as well. Discuss. Also, enumerate the initiatives taken by the global community to reduce marine litter.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
PollutionBiodiversity and Conservation
What steps can we take to protect mangrove ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by climate change? Also mention some initiatives at national and international level to support their conservation?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Biodiversity and ConservationClimate Change
What the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
Give an account of the challenges associated with rapidly increasing biomedical waste in India. Also, state the key features of the Bio-medical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
PollutionEnvironmental Governance
Examine the role of Integrated Farming System (IFM) in improving agricultural productivity and minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Crops and Cropping PatternsAnimal Rearing and Fisheries
The concept of ecological footprint is a useful indicator for assessing progress on the sustainable use of resources in a country. Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Biodiversity and ConservationClimate Change
Examine how resource efficiency can bring about multiple benefits along the three dimensions of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Inclusive GrowthMacroeconomic Indicators
India today has the twin challenges of economic growth (to meet the development aspirations of a large population, and cutting emissions). Elaborate. How can India balance her commitments to economic growth and environmental preservation?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Climate ChangeInclusive Growth
Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance
Unsustainable tourism practices have in the recent past led to huge stress on the natural resources of ecologically fragile and sensitive areas such as the Himalayan states, Western Ghats etc.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Biodiversity and ConservationEnvironmental Governance