🌿 UPSC + MPSC Special — Environment and Ecology 2026
Environment & Ecology
Complete UPSC Notes 2026
Complete notes for UPSC and MPSC — Ecology Basics, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Paris Agreement, Ramsar Sites, Protected Areas, Pollution, International Conventions, India Schemes and 15 MCQs!
10-15
Env Qs per Prelims
4
Biodiversity Hotspots in India
75+
Ramsar Sites in India
54
Tiger Reserves in India
12
Topic sections in this guide
Environment and Ecology is one of the highest-scoring sections in UPSC Prelims — contributing 10-15 questions every year. It is also essential for GS Paper 3 Mains (Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Impact Assessment, Disaster Management). This guide covers everything — ecology basics, biodiversity, climate change, protected areas, pollution, international conventions, and government schemes — all updated to 2026! 🎯
🌿 Environment and Ecology — Key Numbers 2025-26
75+
Ramsar Wetland Sites in India
54
Tiger Reserves (Project Tiger)
4
Biodiversity Hotspots in India
33
Elephant Reserves (Project Elephant)
106
National Parks in India
567
Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
18
Biosphere Reserves in India (UNESCO: 12)
1.5C
Paris Agreement temperature limit target
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Section 1 — Ecology Basics
Ecosystem · Food Chain · Ecological Pyramids · Succession · Biomes
Ecological PyramidsAlways in Prelims
Pyramid of Numbers: Counts organisms at each trophic level. Can be inverted (parasitic food chain — one tree hosts many insects).
Pyramid of Biomass: Total dry weight at each trophic level. Inverted in aquatic ecosystems (phytoplankton biomass less than zooplankton).
Pyramid of Energy: ALWAYS upright — energy always decreases up the food chain (Lindeman's 10% Law — only 10% transferred per level).
Biomagnification: Concentration of toxic chemicals INCREASES up the food chain (DDT, mercury, PCBs). Example: DDT in fish > DDT in water.
Ecological SuccessionStatic PYQ
Primary Succession: Begins on bare, lifeless habitat (bare rock, sand dunes, lava). Takes thousands of years. Pioneer species = lichens (on rocks).
Secondary Succession: Begins on disturbed land (cleared forest, abandoned fields). Faster than primary — soil already exists.
Climax Community: Final stable community — reached when succession ends. Example: temperate deciduous forest.
Hydrarch succession: Begins in water (pond to forest). Xerarch succession: Begins on dry land (rock to forest).
Biotic InteractionsPrelims
Mutualism (+/+): Both benefit — mycorrhizal fungi + plant roots; bees + flowers; lichens (fungi + algae).
Commensalism (+/0): One benefits, other unaffected — barnacles on whale; orchids on trees.
Parasitism (+/-): Parasite benefits, host harmed — tapeworm in intestine; brood parasitism (cuckoo + crow).
Predation (+/-): Predator kills prey — maintains prey population balance; wolves control deer population.
Amensalism (0/-): One harmed, other unaffected — penicillin mold kills bacteria.
Biogeochemical CyclesStatic
Carbon Cycle: CO2 fixed by photosynthesis; released by respiration, decomposition, fossil fuel burning. Carbon sink = forests, oceans, soil.
Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen fixation (Rhizobium) → Nitrification → Assimilation → Denitrification. Largest reservoir = atmosphere (78% N2).
Phosphorus Cycle: No gaseous phase — only sedimentary cycle. Moves through rocks, soil, water, organisms. KEY for DNA and ATP.
Hydrological Cycle: Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation → Runoff. Transpiration by plants = significant contributor.
🎯 Prelims Trick — Ecology Comparisons
Habitat vs Niche: Habitat = address of organism; Niche = profession/role in ecosystem. Two species cannot occupy same niche indefinitely (Competitive Exclusion Principle — Gause's Law). Keystone species: A species whose impact is disproportionately large relative to its abundance — sea otter (maintains kelp forest), tigers (maintain herbivore population). Endemic species: Found ONLY in a specific geographic area — Western Ghats has 325+ endemic plant species.
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Section 2 — Biodiversity and Conservation
Hotspots · IUCN Red List · In-Situ and Ex-Situ · CBD · Project Tiger
🇹🇳 India's 4 Biodiversity Hotspots Direct Prelims
A biodiversity hotspot is a region with at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species AND has lost at least 70% of its original habitat. There are 36 global hotspots; India has 4.
Western Ghats: Stretches through Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa; 5,000+ plant species; 325 endemic plant species; tiger habitat; Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; UNESCO World Heritage Site 2012 (39 properties). Also shared with Sri Lanka in "Western Ghats + Sri Lanka" hotspot.
Himalayas: Eastern Himalayas (part of "Himalaya" hotspot including Nepal, Bhutan, NE India, parts of Myanmar and China); Snow leopard, Red panda, Bengal tiger; unique high-altitude biodiversity; includes Kaziranga (one-horned rhino).
Indo-Burma Region: Northeast India + parts of China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. Extremely high diversity; freshwater turtle diversity; many new species discovered recently.
Sundaland: Primarily SE Asian islands — includes Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India's share). Rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity; dugong, leatherback turtle, Nicobar megapode.
IUCN Red List CategoriesMust Know
Extinct (EX): No individuals remaining — Dodo, Passenger Pigeon.
Extinct in Wild (EW): Survive only in captivity — Scimitar-horned Oryx.
Critically Endangered (CR): Extremely high extinction risk — Great Indian Bustard, Gharial.
Endangered (EN): High extinction risk — Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Snow Leopard.
Vulnerable (VU): High risk — Gaur (Indian Bison), Himalayan Brown Bear.
Near Threatened (NT): Close to qualifying for threatened — Indian Python.
Least Concern (LC): Not threatened — Common myna, House sparrow.
In-Situ vs Ex-Situ ConservationDirect PYQ
In-Situ (on-site): Conservation in natural habitat. Examples: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, Community Reserves, Sacred Groves.
Ex-Situ (off-site): Conservation outside natural habitat. Examples: Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Seed Banks, Gene Banks, Aquaria, Cryopreservation.
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR): New Delhi — India's main seed gene bank.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Norway): "Doomsday Vault" — backup for world's crop seeds.
| Conservation Project | Launched | Key Species | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Tiger | 1973 | Bengal Tiger | 54 Tiger Reserves; tiger population: 3,167 (2022 census) — 75% of world's wild tigers; NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) manages; Corbett = first TR |
| Project Elephant | 1992 | Asian Elephant | 33 Elephant Reserves; ~30,000 elephants (India has 60% of world's Asian elephants); MP Wildlife Crime Control Bureau |
| Project Cheetah | 2022 | Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) | Reintroduced Namibian and South African cheetahs to Kuno National Park (MP) and Gandhi Sagar (MP); cheetah extinct in India since 1952; India first to translocate cheetahs intercontinentally |
| Project Gharial | 1975 | Gharial | Critically Endangered; found in Chambal, Girwa rivers; longest crocodilian; only fish-eating crocodilian; CWH (Chambal Wildlife) Sanctuary |
| Project Snow Leopard | 2009 | Snow Leopard | Found in Himalayas (5 states — J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal); SECURE Himalaya programme; ~450-500 in India |
| Project Sea Turtle | 1999 | Olive Ridley Turtle | Mass nesting (Arribada) at Gahirmatha (Odisha) — world's largest sea turtle rookery; also at Rushikulya and Devi River |
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Section 3 — Protected Areas, Wetlands and Forests
National Parks · Tiger Reserves · Ramsar Sites · Mangroves · Biosphere Reserves
Protected Area Hierarchy
National Park: Strictly protected — no human activity, grazing, or private ownership inside. Highest protection. Declared by State Legislature (Section 35, WPA 1972).
Wildlife Sanctuary: Some human activities permitted (timber, grazing). Declared by State Government (Section 26A, WPA 1972).
Community Reserve: Declared on community-owned land. Lowest restriction. Local communities have a say.
Tiger Reserve: Core + Buffer zone; declared under Project Tiger; NTCA manages.
Key Ramsar Sites (India)
India has 75+ Ramsar sites — most in Asia. Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar sites among Indian states.
Chilika Lake (Odisha): Largest coastal lagoon in Asia; flamingoes; India's first Ramsar site (1981).
Loktak Lake (Manipur): Floating islands (phumdis); Keibul Lamjao National Park — world's only floating national park; Sangai (brow-antlered deer).
Sundarbans (WB): Largest mangrove in world; Bengal Tiger; UNESCO WHS; also Ramsar site.
Wular Lake (J&K): Largest freshwater lake in India.
Mangroves and Coral Reefs
India's Mangroves: ~4,992 sq km; Sundarbans = largest (~40% of India's mangroves). States: West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, A&N Islands.
MISHTI Scheme: Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes — Union Budget 2023; 9 states/UTs; community livelihood + mangrove restoration.
India's Coral Reefs: Lakshadweep (atolls — best condition), Gulf of Mannar, Andamans, Gulf of Kutch. Coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures — zooxanthellae expelled.
Amrit Darohar Scheme (2023): Conservation and restoration of Ramsar wetlands with local communities as custodians.
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Section 4 — Climate Change and Global Agreements
Paris Agreement · UNFCCC · IPCC · India's NDC · Panchamrit · COP28
🌎 Paris Agreement (2015) — Key Facts Very High PYQ
Adopted: COP21, Paris, December 2015; under UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992).
Temperature targets: Limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit to 1.5°C.
NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions): Each country submits its own climate action plans — not legally binding in terms of targets (but participation is binding). India submits NDCs.
CBDR-RC: Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities — developed countries must take more responsibility as they caused most historical emissions.
Loss and Damage Fund: Established at COP27 (Egypt, 2022) — fund to help vulnerable countries deal with climate change damages they didn't cause. India supported this. Operationalised at COP28 (Dubai, 2023).
COP28 (Dubai, 2023): Historic agreement to transition AWAY from fossil fuels — first ever explicit mention of fossil fuel phase-transition in a COP agreement. First Global Stocktake completed — found world off-track on climate goals.
India's Panchamrit TargetsIndia Specific
Announced at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021) by PM Modi — India's enhanced climate commitments:
1. 500 GW non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
2. 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
3. Reduce 1 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2030.
4. 45% reduction in carbon intensity of GDP by 2030 (from 2005 levels).
5. Net Zero by 2070 — India's target (vs 2050 for developed countries).
Also: 2.5–3 billion tonne additional carbon sink through forests and tree cover by 2030.
NAPCC — 8 National MissionsDirect PYQ
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC, 2008) — 8 missions:
1. Solar Energy Mission (now PM Surya Ghar)
2. Enhanced Energy Efficiency Mission
3. Sustainable Habitat Mission
4. Water Mission
5. Himalayan Ecosystem Mission
6. Green India Mission
7. Sustainable Agriculture Mission
8. Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change Mission
🎯 Mnemonic: SESH WGSS = Solar, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Himalayan, Water, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture, Strategic Knowledge
🌎
Section 5 — International Environmental Conventions
CITES · Ramsar · Basel · Rotterdam · Minamata · Stockholm · Montreal
| Convention | Year / Place | Focus | Key Facts for UPSC |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNFCCC | 1992 — Rio Earth Summit | Climate Change Framework | Parent treaty for Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement; 197 parties; Secretariat: Bonn, Germany; India signed 1992 |
| CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) | 1992 — Rio Earth Summit | Biodiversity Conservation | 3 objectives: conservation, sustainable use, fair sharing of benefits; Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS); Kunming-Montreal GBF (2022): 30x30 target — protect 30% land and ocean by 2030 |
| Ramsar Convention | 1971 — Ramsar, Iran | Wetland Conservation | Full name: Convention on Wetlands of International Importance; India has 75+ Ramsar sites; India joined 1982; Montreux Record = threatened Ramsar sites |
| CITES | 1973 — Washington | Wildlife Trade | Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; Appendix I = banned trade; Appendix II = regulated; Appendix III = specific country request |
| Montreal Protocol | 1987 — Montreal | Ozone Layer / ODS | Phase out of Ozone Depleting Substances (CFCs, HCFCs); most successful MEA; Kigali Amendment (2016) added HFCs (greenhouse gases); "Healing the ozone layer" |
| Stockholm Convention | 2001 — Stockholm | Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) | Eliminated "Dirty Dozen" including DDT, PCBs, dioxins; India party since 2006; POPs bioaccumulate and biomagnify in food chains |
| Basel Convention | 1989 — Basel | Hazardous Waste | Controls transboundary movement of hazardous wastes; prevents "toxic dumping" from rich to poor countries; India party since 1992 |
| Minamata Convention | 2013 — Kumamoto, Japan | Mercury | Named after Minamata disease (Japan — mercury poisoning from industrial discharge, 1950s); controls mercury emissions and releases; India ratified 2018 |
| Vienna Convention | 1985 — Vienna | Ozone Layer Protection | Framework convention for ozone protection (parent of Montreal Protocol); establishes framework for global ozone action |
| UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol | 1997 — Kyoto, Japan | Greenhouse Gas Reduction | Legally binding emission reduction targets for developed (Annex I) countries only; 5.2% reduction below 1990 levels; USA never ratified; replaced by Paris Agreement 2015 |
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Section 6 — Environmental Pollution and Control
Air · Water · Soil · Noise · Plastic · E-Waste · India Schemes
Air Pollution — Key ConceptsHigh PYQ
PM2.5 and PM10: Particulate matter — smaller particles (PM2.5) are more dangerous as they penetrate deep into lungs. Major sources: vehicle emissions, construction, crop burning.
NCAP (National Clean Air Programme): Launched 2019; target 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 by 2024 (baseline 2017); 132 non-attainment cities.
GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan): Delhi NCR; stage-wise emergency response to air pollution (Stage 1-4) based on AQI levels.
AQI (Air Quality Index): Measures 8 pollutants — PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, Pb. Scale 0-500; Good (0-50) to Severe (401-500).
Water Pollution — Key ConceptsStatic + Current
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand): Amount of oxygen microorganisms need to decompose organic waste. High BOD = high pollution = less dissolved oxygen for fish.
Eutrophication: Excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus — from fertilizers) cause algal bloom → oxygen depletion → fish kill. Cultural eutrophication caused by humans.
Namami Gange Mission: ₹20,000 crore; 152 sewage treatment plants; river surface cleaning; biodiversity conservation (Gangetic dolphin); launched 2014.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Tap water to every rural household by 2024 (target extended); 19+ crore households covered; functional household tap connections.
Plastic PollutionCurrent Affairs
SUP Ban (2022): India banned 19 categories of Single-Use Plastics from July 1, 2022 — plates, cups, straws, stirrers, plastic bags below 75 microns, etc.
Microplastics: Plastic particles less than 5mm; found in oceans, soil, air, drinking water, and even human blood; not yet biodegradable; global treaty negotiations ongoing.
Global Plastics Treaty: Under UNEP — negotiations ongoing for a legally binding treaty by 2025 to eliminate plastic pollution. India participates in negotiations.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Makes producers responsible for the end-of-life management of their plastic products.
E-Waste ManagementCurrent
India is the 3rd largest e-waste generator in the world (after China and USA); generates ~3.2 million tonnes/year.
E-Waste Management Rules 2022: Updated rules; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates; targets for collection and recycling; covers 106 electrical and electronic equipment categories.
Hazardous materials in e-waste: Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, arsenic — serious health and environmental risks when improperly disposed.
Informal recycling sector: 90% of e-waste recycled informally in India — unsafe for workers; need for formal recycling infrastructure.
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Section 7 — India's Key Environmental Schemes 2025-26
Green Hydrogen · PM Surya Ghar · Mission LiFE · MISHTI · Namami Gange
| Scheme / Mission | Year | Key Target / Budget | UPSC Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Green Hydrogen Mission | 2023 | 5 MMT green hydrogen/year by 2030; ₹19,744 crore | Green = renewable electrolysis (no emissions); India aims to be global green hydrogen hub; reduces oil import dependence |
| PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana | 2024 | 1 crore households; 300 units free electricity/month; ₹75,000+ crore | Rooftop solar revolution; reduces household electricity bills; supports 500 GW renewable target by 2030 |
| Mission LiFE | 2022 | Lifestyle for Environment; launched by PM Modi at COP27 | Individual behaviour change for sustainability; "pro-planet people"; India's contribution to global climate action through demand-side management |
| MISHTI Scheme | Budget 2023 | Mangrove restoration in 9 coastal states and UTs | Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes; community livelihoods + coastal protection + carbon sequestration |
| Namami Gange Mission | 2014 | ₹20,000 crore; 152 STPs; Gangetic dolphin conservation | Integrated conservation — sewage treatment, afforestation, biodiversity, ghats development; flagship Clean India programme |
| CAMPA | 2006 (revised) | Compensatory Afforestation Fund | Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority — funds collected when forests diverted for non-forest use; used for afforestation elsewhere |
| National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) | 2003 | Under Biodiversity Act 2002 | Regulates access to biological resources; ensures benefit-sharing; SBB (State Biodiversity Boards) + BMC (Biodiversity Management Committees) at local level |
Mains Q — 15 Marks · GS Paper 3
"India's commitments under the Paris Agreement are ambitious yet face significant implementation challenges. Critically analyse India's climate action and the way forward." (250 words)
Introduction (25 words)
India, the world's third largest greenhouse gas emitter, has made ambitious climate commitments (Panchamrit targets at COP26) while balancing development imperatives of a nation with 800+ million people still aspiring to adequate energy access.
India's Climate Commitments (70 words)
Panchamrit targets: (1) 500 GW non-fossil energy by 2030; (2) 50% energy from renewables by 2030; (3) Reduce 1 billion tonne CO2 by 2030; (4) 45% carbon intensity reduction (from 2005 levels); (5) Net Zero by 2070. Progress: Solar capacity crossed 100 GW (2024); NAPCC 8 missions operational; Mission LiFE for behaviour change; National Green Hydrogen Mission (₹19,744 crore); PM Surya Ghar for rooftop solar. India also advocates for Loss and Damage Fund and climate finance for developing nations.
Challenges (80 words)
(1) Finance gap: India needs $2.5 trillion for climate action by 2030 — developed countries have failed to mobilise promised $100 billion/year. (2) Coal dependence: Coal provides 55%+ of electricity — phasing out threatens energy security and coal miner livelihoods. (3) Technology transfer: Green hydrogen, battery storage, and advanced solar technology remain expensive without technology transfer from developed nations. (4) Agricultural emissions: Agriculture contributes 14% of India's GHG — tackling methane from rice paddies and livestock without harming food security is complex. (5) Climate justice: India's historical per capita emissions are negligible compared to USA and EU — demanding climate equity is justified.
Way Forward + Conclusion (30 words)
India must: secure climate finance from developed nations (CBDR principle), accelerate renewable energy deployment, develop green hydrogen ecosystem, promote Mission LiFE for demand-side changes, and advocate for fair global carbon budgets at future COPs.
🌿 Environment and Ecology Quiz — 15 Questions
Based on actual UPSC 2026 patterns. Target 12+/15. Prelims: 24 May 2026!
Ecology Basics and Biodiversity (Q1-8)
Q1. The Pyramid of Biomass is inverted in aquatic ecosystems. Which pyramid is ALWAYS upright in all ecosystems?
Topic: Ecological Pyramids
A) Pyramid of Numbers
B) Pyramid of Biomass
C) Pyramid of Energy
D) None — all three can be inverted
Q2. India has 4 Biodiversity Hotspots. Which one includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Topic: Biodiversity Hotspots — India
A) Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
B) Himalayas
C) Sundaland
D) Indo-Burma Region
Q3. Loktak Lake in Manipur is famous for the world's only floating national park. What is the name of this park and which species does it protect?
Topic: Ramsar Sites — India
A) Keibul Lamjao National Park; Sangai (Brow-antlered deer)
B) Keibul Lamjao National Park; Manipur Bush Quail
C) Manipur National Park; Snow Leopard
D) Phumdis National Park; Red Panda
Q4. Project Cheetah (2022) reintroduced cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to which national park in India?
Topic: Conservation Projects — Cheetah
A) Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
B) Bandhavgarh National Park, MP
C) Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
D) Pench National Park, Maharashtra
Q5. Which of the following statements about CITES is CORRECT?
Topic: International Conventions — CITES
A) CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; Appendix I species cannot be traded commercially
B) CITES is a binding treaty that directly prosecutes wildlife traffickers
C) CITES Appendix II species have a complete ban on international trade
D) CITES was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit
Q6. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) sets which landmark target for biodiversity conservation?
Topic: CBD — Kunming-Montreal GBF
A) Zero extinction of all species by 2030
B) Protect 50% of land and ocean by 2030
C) Protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030 (30x30 target)
D) Reduce deforestation by 50% by 2025
Q7. What is the Montreux Record under the Ramsar Convention?
Topic: Ramsar Convention
A) A list of the world's top 100 most biodiverse wetlands
B) A register of Ramsar sites where ecological character has changed or is threatened
C) A list of countries that have contributed the most to wetland conservation
D) The original 1971 Ramsar Convention document signed in Iran
Q8. Which convention specifically addresses the trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste, preventing rich countries from dumping toxic waste in developing nations?
Topic: International Conventions
A) Stockholm Convention
B) Rotterdam Convention
C) Basel Convention
D) Minamata Convention
Climate Change, Pollution and India Schemes (Q9-15)
Q9. India's Panchamrit targets include achieving Net Zero emissions by which year?
Topic: India Climate Commitments — Panchamrit
A) 2050
B) 2060
C) 2070
D) 2075
Q10. The Loss and Damage Fund for climate-vulnerable nations was established at which COP?
Topic: UNFCCC — COP Agreements
A) COP26 (Glasgow, 2021)
B) COP27 (Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, 2022)
C) COP28 (Dubai, 2023)
D) COP21 (Paris, 2015)
Q11. The Montreal Protocol targets the phase-out of which category of substances?
Topic: International Conventions — Montreal Protocol
A) Greenhouse gases causing global warming
B) Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) like DDT
C) Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) like CFCs and HCFCs
D) Heavy metals like mercury and lead
Q12. Which of the following about NAPCC (National Action Plan on Climate Change) is CORRECT?
Topic: India — NAPCC
A) NAPCC was launched in 2015 alongside India's Paris Agreement commitments
B) NAPCC has 6 national missions covering solar, water, forests and agriculture
C) NAPCC was launched in 2008 and has 8 National Missions
D) NAPCC is a statutory body under the Environment Protection Act
Q13. Eutrophication of water bodies is primarily caused by excess levels of which nutrients?
Topic: Water Pollution — Eutrophication
A) Carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide
B) Nitrogen and Phosphorus (from agricultural runoff and sewage)
C) Iron and manganese from industrial discharge
D) Chlorine and fluoride from water treatment plants
Q14. Mission LiFE, launched by PM Modi at COP27, stands for:
Topic: India Environmental Schemes
A) Living in Forests for Environment
B) Lifestyle for Environment
C) Land Innovation for Environment
D) Low-Impact Future Environment
Q15. MISHTI scheme (Union Budget 2023) is aimed at which specific ecosystem?
Topic: India Schemes — Mangroves
A) Coral reef restoration in Lakshadweep and Andamans
B) Mountain ecosystem protection in the Himalayas
C) Mangrove restoration and coastal community livelihoods
D) Inland wetland conservation under Ramsar Convention
Your Score
0/15
📋
Quick Revision Table — Environment and Ecology 2026
15 Must-Know Facts for Last-Minute Revision
| Topic | Key Fact | Critical Detail | Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyramid of Energy | Always upright — cannot be inverted | Lindeman's 10% Law: only 10% energy transfers per trophic level; energy always decreases upward | Pre |
| India's 4 Biodiversity Hotspots | Western Ghats, Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Sundaland (A&N Islands) | 36 global hotspots; criteria: 1500+ endemic plants + 70% habitat lost; Tamil Nadu in Western Ghats hotspot | Pre |
| Project Tiger | 1973; 54 Tiger Reserves; 3,167 tigers (2022 census) | India has 75% of world's wild tigers; NTCA manages; first TR = Corbett (Uttarakhand) | Pre |
| Project Cheetah 2022 | Namibia + South Africa cheetahs to Kuno NP, MP | Cheetah extinct in India 1952; first intercontinental cheetah translocation; also Gandhi Sagar (MP) | Pre |
| Ramsar Convention | 1971, Ramsar (Iran); India has 75+ sites | India joined 1982; Tamil Nadu has most Ramsar sites; India's first = Chilika Lake (Odisha, 1981) | Pre |
| Loktak Lake | Manipur; world's only floating NP (Keibul Lamjao) | Phumdis = floating islands; Sangai (brow-antlered deer) found only here; Ramsar site | Pre |
| Paris Agreement | COP21, 2015; limit warming to 1.5-2 degrees C | NDCs = Nationally Determined Contributions (not legally binding targets); CBDR-RC principle | Pre+GS3 |
| India Panchamrit | 500 GW renewables; 50% RE; Net Zero 2070 — 5 targets | Announced COP26 Glasgow 2021 by PM Modi; also 1 billion tonne CO2 reduction + 45% carbon intensity cut | Pre+GS3 |
| NAPCC 8 Missions | 2008; Solar, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Himalayan, Green India, Agriculture, Knowledge | Mnemonic: SESH WGSS; Mission LiFE (2022) added as lifestyle mission | Pre+GS3 |
| Montreal Protocol | 1987; phase-out of ODS (CFCs, HCFCs) | Most successful MEA ever; Kigali Amendment (2016) added HFCs; ozone hole healing; Vienna Convention (1985) = parent | Pre |
| Basel Convention | 1989; controls transboundary hazardous waste movement | Prevents toxic dumping from developed to developing countries; India party since 1992 | Pre |
| Minamata Convention | 2013; controls mercury emissions | Named after Minamata disease (Japan 1950s — mercury poisoning); India ratified 2018 | Pre |
| MISHTI Scheme | Budget 2023; mangrove restoration; 9 coastal states and UTs | Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes; coastal protection + carbon sink + livelihoods | Pre |
| Green Hydrogen Mission | 2023; 5 MMT green hydrogen by 2030; Rs 19,744 crore | Green = electrolysis using renewable energy (zero emissions); replaces grey hydrogen (fossil fuels) | Pre+GS3 |
| Kunming-Montreal GBF | CBD COP15, 2022; 30x30 target | Protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030; also halt species extinction driven by humans | Pre+GS3 |
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