Forwarded from UPSC previous year paper ( PYQ ) PDF
GS 1 in हिंदी में .pdf
8.7 MB
📍GS Paper-1
✔️ Hindi Medium
✔️ Hindi Medium
Forwarded from UPSC previous year paper ( PYQ ) PDF
Adobe Scan 25-May-2025.pdf
6.9 MB
CS(P) 2025 Paper -2 (CSAT)
🔆One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution
✅The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today launched a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’, in the run up to World Environment Day 2025.
✅This campaign highlights India’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, aligned with India’s flagship initiative—Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
📍The Key thrust areas of the Campaign:
✅Awareness and Advocacy regarding Plastic pollution
✅Reduced Use and Generation of Plastic waste including Single Use Plastic
✅Manage Plastic Waste including Single Use Plastic through Segregation, Collection, Disposal and Recycling of Plastic waste.
✅Promoting development of sustainable alternatives to single use plastic.
#gs3
#environment
Join @PIB_UPSC
@upsc_4_environment
✅The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today launched a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’, in the run up to World Environment Day 2025.
✅This campaign highlights India’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, aligned with India’s flagship initiative—Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
📍The Key thrust areas of the Campaign:
✅Awareness and Advocacy regarding Plastic pollution
✅Reduced Use and Generation of Plastic waste including Single Use Plastic
✅Manage Plastic Waste including Single Use Plastic through Segregation, Collection, Disposal and Recycling of Plastic waste.
✅Promoting development of sustainable alternatives to single use plastic.
#gs3
#environment
Join @PIB_UPSC
@upsc_4_environment
✅India’s lion population, exclusively concentrated in Gujarat, has risen by 32% between 2020 and 2025, with 891 lions reported, according to a report from the Gujarat Forest Department released
✅Though the maximum number of lions – 394 – have been observed in the Gir National Park and Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary, considered the ‘source’ population,
📍Challenges and concerns
✅While a growing lion population is generally positive for conservation, it also presents challenges, especially for areas with human populations.
✅Increased lion presence outside core areas leads to more human-wildlife conflict, potentially causing economic losses for local communities.
✅Furthermore, the growing population may strain limited resources and habitats, impacting the overall ecological balance.
#gs3
#prelims
#environment
@upsc_4_environment
✅Though the maximum number of lions – 394 – have been observed in the Gir National Park and Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary, considered the ‘source’ population,
📍Challenges and concerns
✅While a growing lion population is generally positive for conservation, it also presents challenges, especially for areas with human populations.
✅Increased lion presence outside core areas leads to more human-wildlife conflict, potentially causing economic losses for local communities.
✅Furthermore, the growing population may strain limited resources and habitats, impacting the overall ecological balance.
#gs3
#prelims
#environment
@upsc_4_environment
Drought in Amazon : decline in biomass, big losses and mortality of the largest trees.
The loss of ~ 40% of the total weight of the vegetation and the carbon stored within....
🔆 What 24 Years of Drought Simulation in the Amazon Revealed
✅ About the Project:
• The Esecaflor project (2000–present) is the world’s longest-running drought experiment in a rainforest.
• Located in Caxiuana National Forest, scientists diverted 50% of rainfall using 6,000 plastic panels to mimic long-term drought.
✅ Key Findings:
• After 8 years, the forest showed a sharp decline in biomass and 40% loss in vegetation weight.
• Large trees suffered high mortality, leading to significant carbon release into the atmosphere.
• The Amazon shifted from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter, losing its ability to absorb CO₂.
✅ Why It Matters:
• Forest trees store the equivalent of 2 years of global carbon emissions.
• Cutting or death of these trees due to drought accelerates climate change.
• In extreme dry years (El Niño + climate change), impacts were most severe.
✅ Next Steps:
• Scientists are now observing if the forest can regenerate and return to baseline post-drought.
• The project helps predict future resilience of the Amazon amid changing climate patterns.
#Amazon #ClimateCrisis #ForestDrought #CarbonSink
The loss of ~ 40% of the total weight of the vegetation and the carbon stored within....
🔆 What 24 Years of Drought Simulation in the Amazon Revealed
✅ About the Project:
• The Esecaflor project (2000–present) is the world’s longest-running drought experiment in a rainforest.
• Located in Caxiuana National Forest, scientists diverted 50% of rainfall using 6,000 plastic panels to mimic long-term drought.
✅ Key Findings:
• After 8 years, the forest showed a sharp decline in biomass and 40% loss in vegetation weight.
• Large trees suffered high mortality, leading to significant carbon release into the atmosphere.
• The Amazon shifted from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter, losing its ability to absorb CO₂.
✅ Why It Matters:
• Forest trees store the equivalent of 2 years of global carbon emissions.
• Cutting or death of these trees due to drought accelerates climate change.
• In extreme dry years (El Niño + climate change), impacts were most severe.
✅ Next Steps:
• Scientists are now observing if the forest can regenerate and return to baseline post-drought.
• The project helps predict future resilience of the Amazon amid changing climate patterns.
#Amazon #ClimateCrisis #ForestDrought #CarbonSink
City Gas Distribution (CGD) Project
✅Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal, aiming to expand clean energy infrastructure.
📍City Gas Distribution (CGD) project
✅The City Gas Distribution (CGD) project, worth over Rs 1010 crore, aims to provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to more than 2.5 Lakh households, over 100 commercial establishments and industries .
✅It will also provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to vehicular traffic by establishing around 19 CNG stations in line with the Minimum Work Program (MWP) targets stipulated by the Government.
✅It falls under the Minimum Work Programme (MWP) targets set by the government to expand India’s gas-based economy.
✅It will provide convenient, reliable, environment-friendly and cost-effective fuel supply and create employment opportunities in the region.
#gs3 #prelims
#environment #economy #energy
Join @PIB_UPSC
@upsc_4_environment
✅Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a ₹1,010 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal, aiming to expand clean energy infrastructure.
📍City Gas Distribution (CGD) project
✅The City Gas Distribution (CGD) project, worth over Rs 1010 crore, aims to provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to more than 2.5 Lakh households, over 100 commercial establishments and industries .
✅It will also provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to vehicular traffic by establishing around 19 CNG stations in line with the Minimum Work Program (MWP) targets stipulated by the Government.
✅It falls under the Minimum Work Programme (MWP) targets set by the government to expand India’s gas-based economy.
✅It will provide convenient, reliable, environment-friendly and cost-effective fuel supply and create employment opportunities in the region.
#gs3 #prelims
#environment #economy #energy
Join @PIB_UPSC
@upsc_4_environment
Whalebone
🔆 World’s Oldest Whalebone Industry Discovered
✅ Researchers studied 173 whalebone tools from Magdalenian caves near the Bay of Biscay.
✅ Late Paleolithic people used bones from at least five large whale species to craft tools.
✅ Toolmaking flourished between 17,500 and 16,000 years ago.
✅ No whaling technology found; likely people scavenged stranded whales and extracted oil and baleen.
✅ This discovery rewrites understanding of early human use of marine resources.
#Archaeology #Paleolithic #WhaleboneTools #HumanHistory
#Environment
🔆 World’s Oldest Whalebone Industry Discovered
✅ Researchers studied 173 whalebone tools from Magdalenian caves near the Bay of Biscay.
✅ Late Paleolithic people used bones from at least five large whale species to craft tools.
✅ Toolmaking flourished between 17,500 and 16,000 years ago.
✅ No whaling technology found; likely people scavenged stranded whales and extracted oil and baleen.
✅ This discovery rewrites understanding of early human use of marine resources.
#Archaeology #Paleolithic #WhaleboneTools #HumanHistory
#Environment
🔆 Key Takeaways: Climate Benefit and Pollution Concerns of EVs
✅ Climate Benefit of EVs:
• Electric vehicles (EVs) help eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and thus play a crucial role in combating climate change.
✅ Air Pollution Concern with EVs:
• A recent study shows that EVs may worsen air pollution due to increased tyre wear, caused by their greater weight.
✅ Study Details:
• Conducted by researchers from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), IIT Bombay, and an American university.
• Established the relationship between the weight and speed of a vehicle to the size of the plastic particles released from tyres as a result of wear and tear.
✅ Tyre Particle Pollution:
• Tyre wear releases microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the atmosphere.
• Two primary processes of degradation:
▪ Primary fragmentation: Releases larger particles due to sudden braking or potholes.
▪ Sequential fragmentation: Releases smaller, more airborne particles due to prolonged use and increased friction.
✅ Heavier Vehicles, Higher Emissions:
• EVs are 15–20% heavier than petrol/diesel cars due to their batteries (300–900 kg).
• EVs are also able to accelerate more rapidly. This can lead to additional stress on the tyres due to increased friction and heat generation.
• Heavier and faster vehicles produce more and smaller airborne particles, worsening air pollution.
✅ Global Implications:
• As EV adoption rises globally (20% of new car sales in 2024), this issue has worldwide relevance.
• Highlights need to revisit conventional assumptions about the environmental friendliness of EVs.
✅ Policy and Technological Responses:
• Existing air quality norms (PM2.5, PM10) may not cover finer tyre particles; standards need revision.
• Need for R&D in tyre design to suit heavier EVs.
• Possible technological solutions:
▪ Capturing tyre particles at the point of release.
▪ Enhancing road quality to reduce fragmentation.
✅ Climate Benefit of EVs:
• Electric vehicles (EVs) help eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and thus play a crucial role in combating climate change.
✅ Air Pollution Concern with EVs:
• A recent study shows that EVs may worsen air pollution due to increased tyre wear, caused by their greater weight.
✅ Study Details:
• Conducted by researchers from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), IIT Bombay, and an American university.
• Established the relationship between the weight and speed of a vehicle to the size of the plastic particles released from tyres as a result of wear and tear.
✅ Tyre Particle Pollution:
• Tyre wear releases microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the atmosphere.
• Two primary processes of degradation:
▪ Primary fragmentation: Releases larger particles due to sudden braking or potholes.
▪ Sequential fragmentation: Releases smaller, more airborne particles due to prolonged use and increased friction.
✅ Heavier Vehicles, Higher Emissions:
• EVs are 15–20% heavier than petrol/diesel cars due to their batteries (300–900 kg).
• EVs are also able to accelerate more rapidly. This can lead to additional stress on the tyres due to increased friction and heat generation.
• Heavier and faster vehicles produce more and smaller airborne particles, worsening air pollution.
✅ Global Implications:
• As EV adoption rises globally (20% of new car sales in 2024), this issue has worldwide relevance.
• Highlights need to revisit conventional assumptions about the environmental friendliness of EVs.
✅ Policy and Technological Responses:
• Existing air quality norms (PM2.5, PM10) may not cover finer tyre particles; standards need revision.
• Need for R&D in tyre design to suit heavier EVs.
• Possible technological solutions:
▪ Capturing tyre particles at the point of release.
▪ Enhancing road quality to reduce fragmentation.
🔆 Key Takeaways
📍 Environmental Impact of Data Centres:
✅ Data centres consume nearly as much energy for cooling as for computing.
✅ To curb climate change, the ICT industry needs to cut emissions by 42% by 2030 (from its 2015 levels).
✅ Data centres need greener designs that use less energy and water, and have lower greenhouse gas emissions to help meet global climate goals and keep warming below 1.5°C. Urgent upgrades to energy, efficiency, and cooling are critical.
📍 Innovative Cooling Techniques:
✅ Cold-plate and immersion cooling are emerging as energy-efficient alternatives to traditional air cooling.
✅ In a cold-plate system, the liquid-to-air heat transfer ratio ranges from 50% to 80%, sometimes more.
✅ In Cold-plate cooling, small coolant-filled channels absorb heat into tiny channels filled with coolant.
✅ Immersion cooling submerges equipment in a non-conductive fluid, drastically improving heat dissipation.
✅ These techs cut corrosion, boost reliability, and slash carbon footprint — all while running silent without fans.
✅ Pioneers like Microsoft and Alibaba are already deploying these systems at scale.
📍 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Findings:
✅ The report from researchers from Microsoft and WSP Global demonstrate that advanced cooling methods like cold plates and immersion cooling can cut data centre emissions by 15-21%, energy use by 15-20%, and water consumption by 31-52% compared to traditional air cooling.
✅ Life cycle assessment has shown that reducing data centre energy use through advanced liquid-cooling technologies will lead to marked reductions in data centre environmental impacts.
✅ The assessment revealed that with grid electricity, cold plates and immersion cooling cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 15%, energy use by more than 15%, and water consumption by more than 31%.
✅ Switching to renewables slashes emissions by 85-90%, energy use by 6-7%, and water demand by 55–85%, regardless of cooling tech.
📍 Policy and Technology Implications:
✅ As electronic heat removal is key to sustainability, innovations in cooling can help the ICT sector meet climate goals and net-zero targets.
✅ These technologies also enhance equipment lifespan, improve performance, and reduce risk of failure.
📍 Challenges and Cautions:
✅ Coolant fluids involve different regulations, and complex designs delay deployment. Using them is like swapping plastic straws for paper: they are greener, but not without trade-offs.
✅ Cooling gains can backfire if pollution is merely shifted elsewhere.
#s/t #env
📍 Environmental Impact of Data Centres:
✅ Data centres consume nearly as much energy for cooling as for computing.
✅ To curb climate change, the ICT industry needs to cut emissions by 42% by 2030 (from its 2015 levels).
✅ Data centres need greener designs that use less energy and water, and have lower greenhouse gas emissions to help meet global climate goals and keep warming below 1.5°C. Urgent upgrades to energy, efficiency, and cooling are critical.
📍 Innovative Cooling Techniques:
✅ Cold-plate and immersion cooling are emerging as energy-efficient alternatives to traditional air cooling.
✅ In a cold-plate system, the liquid-to-air heat transfer ratio ranges from 50% to 80%, sometimes more.
✅ In Cold-plate cooling, small coolant-filled channels absorb heat into tiny channels filled with coolant.
✅ Immersion cooling submerges equipment in a non-conductive fluid, drastically improving heat dissipation.
✅ These techs cut corrosion, boost reliability, and slash carbon footprint — all while running silent without fans.
✅ Pioneers like Microsoft and Alibaba are already deploying these systems at scale.
📍 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Findings:
✅ The report from researchers from Microsoft and WSP Global demonstrate that advanced cooling methods like cold plates and immersion cooling can cut data centre emissions by 15-21%, energy use by 15-20%, and water consumption by 31-52% compared to traditional air cooling.
✅ Life cycle assessment has shown that reducing data centre energy use through advanced liquid-cooling technologies will lead to marked reductions in data centre environmental impacts.
✅ The assessment revealed that with grid electricity, cold plates and immersion cooling cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 15%, energy use by more than 15%, and water consumption by more than 31%.
✅ Switching to renewables slashes emissions by 85-90%, energy use by 6-7%, and water demand by 55–85%, regardless of cooling tech.
📍 Policy and Technology Implications:
✅ As electronic heat removal is key to sustainability, innovations in cooling can help the ICT sector meet climate goals and net-zero targets.
✅ These technologies also enhance equipment lifespan, improve performance, and reduce risk of failure.
📍 Challenges and Cautions:
✅ Coolant fluids involve different regulations, and complex designs delay deployment. Using them is like swapping plastic straws for paper: they are greener, but not without trade-offs.
✅ Cooling gains can backfire if pollution is merely shifted elsewhere.
#s/t #env
Women’s Empowerment and India’s Malnutrition Crisis
✅ Context
• Focuses on India’s persistent malnutrition despite extensive food and nutrition programmes.
• Highlights the critical role of women’s empowerment in improving nutrition outcomes.
✅ Persistent Malnutrition and Gender Disparity
• Women and girls continue to be nutritionally disadvantaged, despite the free foodgrain programme.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan targets vulnerable groups, but outcomes remain skewed.
• NFHS-5 findings: 57% women are anaemic vs 26% men; 1 in 5 women remain underweight.
✅ Issues with Implementation
• Underutilization of POSHAN 2.0 funds (69% used in 2022).
• Anaemia prevalence increased over two NFHS rounds.
• Malnutrition linked to gender-based deprivation and financial dependence.
✅ The Empowerment Link
• 49% of women lack decision-making power over earnings, negatively affecting dietary quality.
• Studies show financial empowerment of women increases spending on nutrition and child welfare.
• Empowering women leads to better nutritional autonomy and resilience.
✅ Challenges in Women’s Employment
• Female labour force participation rose to 33% in 2021–22, but 5% hold salaried jobs, 20% are self-employed.
• Self-employed women earn 53% less than men in similar roles.
✅ Recommendations and Need for Convergence
• POSHAN 2.0 targets: Financial independence, decision-making authority for women.
• Break silos: Integrate nutrition, health, and livelihood schemes.
• Use Anganwadi centres for skill training, credit support, and job linkages.
#WomenEmpowerment #Malnutrition #India #GenderEquality #Nutrition #WomenInWorkforce
✅ Context
• Focuses on India’s persistent malnutrition despite extensive food and nutrition programmes.
• Highlights the critical role of women’s empowerment in improving nutrition outcomes.
✅ Persistent Malnutrition and Gender Disparity
• Women and girls continue to be nutritionally disadvantaged, despite the free foodgrain programme.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan targets vulnerable groups, but outcomes remain skewed.
• NFHS-5 findings: 57% women are anaemic vs 26% men; 1 in 5 women remain underweight.
✅ Issues with Implementation
• Underutilization of POSHAN 2.0 funds (69% used in 2022).
• Anaemia prevalence increased over two NFHS rounds.
• Malnutrition linked to gender-based deprivation and financial dependence.
✅ The Empowerment Link
• 49% of women lack decision-making power over earnings, negatively affecting dietary quality.
• Studies show financial empowerment of women increases spending on nutrition and child welfare.
• Empowering women leads to better nutritional autonomy and resilience.
✅ Challenges in Women’s Employment
• Female labour force participation rose to 33% in 2021–22, but 5% hold salaried jobs, 20% are self-employed.
• Self-employed women earn 53% less than men in similar roles.
✅ Recommendations and Need for Convergence
• POSHAN 2.0 targets: Financial independence, decision-making authority for women.
• Break silos: Integrate nutrition, health, and livelihood schemes.
• Use Anganwadi centres for skill training, credit support, and job linkages.
#WomenEmpowerment #Malnutrition #India #GenderEquality #Nutrition #WomenInWorkforce
Press Release:Press Information Bureau
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2091250
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2091250
Government of India
Around 56,000 sq. meters of Dense Forests created in Prayagraj in last two years using Miyawaki Technique
In preparation for Mahakumbh 2025, dense forests have been developed at various locations across Pra
🔆 Key Takeaways: Eco-Safe Lubrication Innovation
✅ Scientists at IASST, Guwahati developed an environmentally friendly lubricant by integrating surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride into bio-based castor oil.
✅ This formulation significantly enhances friction reduction (54%), wear resistance (60%), and overall performance.
✅ The lubricant shows higher load-bearing capacity and greater thermal stability, with oxidation onset temperature increasing from 320°C to 339°C.
✅ It offers a sustainable alternative to conventional mineral or synthetic oil-based lubricants, reducing environmental risks.
✅ Toxicity assessments confirm minimal free radical formation, making it safe for environmentally sensitive applications.
#EcoFriendly #Lubricants #Sustainability #IASST
✅ Scientists at IASST, Guwahati developed an environmentally friendly lubricant by integrating surface-modified graphitic carbon nitride into bio-based castor oil.
✅ This formulation significantly enhances friction reduction (54%), wear resistance (60%), and overall performance.
✅ The lubricant shows higher load-bearing capacity and greater thermal stability, with oxidation onset temperature increasing from 320°C to 339°C.
✅ It offers a sustainable alternative to conventional mineral or synthetic oil-based lubricants, reducing environmental risks.
✅ Toxicity assessments confirm minimal free radical formation, making it safe for environmentally sensitive applications.
#EcoFriendly #Lubricants #Sustainability #IASST
Biodiversity: environment
🔆 Key Takeaways: India’s Biodiversity
✅ India’s Biodiversity
• India covers about 2% of global land area but harbours nearly 8% of global biodiversity.
• Ranked as one of 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries, it contains sections of 4 out of 36 global biodiversity hotspots.
• India is also one of only 8 centres of global food-crop diversity.
• Natural services from India’s forests are valued at ₹130 trillion per year, sustaining livelihoods of rural populations.
✅ Challenges
• Continuous decline in natural assets reduces GDP and hinders sustainable development.
• Biodiversity has the potential to significantly increase human well-being, but it remains largely unexplored.
#Biodiversity #India #Sustainability #Conservation
🔆 Key Takeaways: India’s Biodiversity
✅ India’s Biodiversity
• India covers about 2% of global land area but harbours nearly 8% of global biodiversity.
• Ranked as one of 17 ‘megadiverse’ countries, it contains sections of 4 out of 36 global biodiversity hotspots.
• India is also one of only 8 centres of global food-crop diversity.
• Natural services from India’s forests are valued at ₹130 trillion per year, sustaining livelihoods of rural populations.
✅ Challenges
• Continuous decline in natural assets reduces GDP and hinders sustainable development.
• Biodiversity has the potential to significantly increase human well-being, but it remains largely unexplored.
#Biodiversity #India #Sustainability #Conservation
Orphan crops
🔆 Key Takeaways: Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)
✅ Overview of NUS
• Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) refers to locally grown crops like millets, buckwheat, jackfruit, yams, and indigenous legumes.
• These crops have often been overshadowed by commercial crops but are now gaining attention as “orphan crops”.
✅ NUS as Opportunity Crops
• NUS are becoming known as opportunity crops due to their nutritional value, climate-resilience, and adaptation to local environments.
• They play a vital role in ensuring food security and supporting sustainable agriculture.
#Sustainability #Agriculture #NutritionalDiversity #ClimateResilience #OpportunityCrops
🔆 Key Takeaways: Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)
✅ Overview of NUS
• Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) refers to locally grown crops like millets, buckwheat, jackfruit, yams, and indigenous legumes.
• These crops have often been overshadowed by commercial crops but are now gaining attention as “orphan crops”.
✅ NUS as Opportunity Crops
• NUS are becoming known as opportunity crops due to their nutritional value, climate-resilience, and adaptation to local environments.
• They play a vital role in ensuring food security and supporting sustainable agriculture.
#Sustainability #Agriculture #NutritionalDiversity #ClimateResilience #OpportunityCrops
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