Syllabus: GS 1 – Geographical features and their location – changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
| The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand arc reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate | 2015 |
| Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? | 2015 |
| Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. | 2019 |
| What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? | 2019 |
| How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? | 2019 |
| Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples | 2019 |
| The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. | 2020 |
| How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? | 2020 |
| Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. | 2020 |
| What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. | 2021 |
| Discuss the consequence of Climate change on the food security in tropical countries. | 2023 |
| Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India. | 2023 |