Environment – GK Questions

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) focuses on forest cover, tree cover, mangroves, bamboo, carbon stocks, and forest types; pollution monitoring is handled by CPCB.

Germanwatch, a German environmental NGO, publishes this index analyzing impacts of extreme weather events and countries' exposure to climate risks.

The Living Planet Index measures changes in abundance of vertebrate species populations globally, serving as a key indicator of biodiversity health.

The EPI is a biennial index developed by Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Columbia Center for International Earth Science Information Network, with support from the World Economic Forum.

Despite robust legal frameworks, implementation gaps due to institutional constraints, coordination issues, and resource limitations hinder effective environmental protection.

RTI empowers citizens to access government records, enhancing transparency, accountability, and public participation in environmental governance.

EPR makes producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for collecting and processing plastic packaging waste, promoting circular economy approaches.

BMCs at local level document biodiversity, promote conservation, and ensure equitable benefit-sharing from use of biological resources and traditional knowledge.

SPCBs implement pollution control laws at state level, monitor compliance, and enforce standards for industrial and municipal discharges.

This classification streamlines the clearance process based on project scale and potential impact, with Category B further divided into B1 (EIA required) and B2 (no EIA).

The Court held that these international environmental principles are part of customary international law and applicable in India under Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g).

NGT has jurisdiction over civil cases involving substantial environmental questions, with powers to grant relief, compensation, and enforce environmental laws.

Indian courts have applied this doctrine to safeguard rivers, forests, and other ecological assets from privatization or degradation, ensuring intergenerational equity.

CAMPA ensures that monetary compensations for diverted forest land are utilized for planned afforestation, wildlife conservation, and related activities.

Green hydrogen, made from water using renewable power, offers a clean fuel alternative for industry, transport, and energy storage to decarbonize the economy.

Such decentralized models empower local communities to own and operate energy systems, ensuring reliability and affordability in remote areas.

Converting crop residues into bioenergy or biochar manages waste sustainably, cuts emissions, and generates income for farmers.

ISA mobilizes resources, technology, and finance to scale up solar projects in sun-rich nations, contributing to climate goals and energy access.

Wind energy harnesses kinetic energy from air movement using turbines, providing clean electricity without fuel costs or direct emissions.

Improving energy efficiency is often the most cost-effective way to cut emissions, enhance energy security, and lower consumer bills.