UPSC Mains Environment PYQs, 2016-2026

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2026

1. 8

   Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India's commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 17

   What are the challenges to solid waste management in India? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/ failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives.

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2025

1. 7

   What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 8

   Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard?

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 18

   Write a review on India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022?

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2024

1. 7

   Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 8

   What role do Environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite two examples with all important details.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 15

   The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits.

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2023

1. 8

   What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 17

   Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites,

   250 words · 15 marks

3. 18

   The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2022

1. 7

   Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 999 Gothenburg Protocol.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 17

   Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2021

1. 6

   Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 7

   Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India's National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 17

   Describe the major outcomes of the 26 session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2020

1. 7

   How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 8

   What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water consefvation and water security?

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 17

   What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2019

1. 7

   Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 17

   Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region.

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2018

1. 6

   What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 7

   What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of 'wise use' in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.

   150 words · 10 marks

3. 17

   How does biodiversity vary in Indiart How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2017

1. 8

   Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.

   150 words · 10 marks

2. 17

   Climate change' is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change?.How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change?

   250 words · 15 marks

Environment questions in GS Paper 3 2016

1. 14

   Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.

   200 words · 12½ marks

Other GS Paper 3 topics

Indian Economy · Agriculture · Science & Technology · Disaster Management · Internal Security