Key Environmental Topics Impacting Civil Services Examinations The session focuses on significant environmental and ecological topics relevant for upcoming civil service examinations. Key discussions include the Air Quality Index (AQI), graded response action plans, various reports like the Adaptation Gap Report, Protected Planet Report, and World Cities Report. The aim is to provide insights into current issues affecting ecology while preparing candidates for both prelims and mains exams.
Understanding Air Quality Index: Health Impacts Air quality in Delhi has deteriorated due to pollution from stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and climatic conditions during winter months. The AQI measures pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 & PM2.5) which significantly affect health outcomes among vulnerable populations like children and elderly individuals. Understanding AQI helps identify sources of pollution leading to effective policy-making.
Graded Response Action Plan: A Temporary Solution? The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) aims at managing air quality based on real-time monitoring of AQI levels through a structured approach involving temporary restrictions or actions depending on severity classifications ranging from 'good' to 'severe'. This plan includes shutting down schools or limiting industrial activities when necessary but raises concerns about its sustainability as it often leads to economic disruptions.
'Cloud Seeding': Artificial Rain Solutions Explained 'Cloud seeding' refers to weather modification techniques aimed at inducing precipitation by dispersing substances into clouds that enhance condensation rates—potentially alleviating urban air pollution temporarily during high-pollution periods in regions like Delhi NCR where natural rainfall is insufficient due largely because of geographical constraints