Discuss the implications of IPCC and the State of the Cryosphere 2023 report findings on Himalayan ecosystems and downstream communities. Suggest a multi-pronged strategy for India to address the emerging cryospheric challenges.

Answer: 

Approach to the answer: 

Understanding and Forming the Response In order to properly respond to this issue, we will first go into the causes of Delhi’s extreme air pollution in contrast to other Indian cities. After that, we’ll offer solutions to this issue. 

Introduction: Give a brief overview of India’s major cities, emphasizing the problem of urban air pollution and the extreme pollution in Delhi in comparison to other major cities.

• Concerns about air pollution have grown in all of the main cities due to the rapid industrialization and urbanization. In contrast to the other major cities, Delhi has a more severe air pollution issue.

Body: Elements That Cause Delhi’s Severe Air Pollution: We’ll examine the particular causes of Delhi’s high air pollution levels in this section. Ideas for Resolving the Issue: Here, we’ll offer doable suggestions to deal with and lessen Delhi’s air pollution problem.

• Delhi has a lot of cars, and a big part of the air pollution comes from their emissions. The situation is made worse by the growing number of diesel-powered vehicles and antiquated automobiles with insufficient pollution controls. Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds are among the major air pollutants released by the concentration of industry in and around Delhi. For example, Delhi is close to industrial areas like Noida, Okhla, and Faridabad.

In summary:

Give a brief overview of the main causes of Delhi’s extreme air pollution and the solutions that have been proposed. Mention the steps the government has done to address the pollution problem.

• Promoting behavior changes like carpooling and cutting back on garbage burning, as well as educating the public on the effects of air pollution, can be beneficial. Delhi can effectively address air pollution and create a better atmosphere for its population by implementing a comprehensive strategy that engages a variety of stakeholders, including the government, businesses, citizens, and civil society.

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Practice Question

Question: Despite multiple policy interventions such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Delhi continues to witness severe air pollution episodes. Critically evaluate the reasons for the limited success of such measures. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Mains PYQs 

Question: 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 revised standards? (UPSC IAS 2021)

MCQs PYQs

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Question: Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (UPSC IAS 2020) 

1. Automobile exhaust 
2. Tobacco smoke 
3. Wood burning 
4. Using varnished wooden furniture 
5. Using products made of polyurethane 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:  

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only   

(b) 2 and 4 only  

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only   

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5  

Answer : (a)

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