UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress.

What is National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)? Highlight the objectives of NCAP.

What is coral reef bleaching? What causes coral bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef?

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

QUESTION 1: What is National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)? Highlight the objectives of NCAP.

Introduction:

— The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, established the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019 as a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to address the country’s air pollution problem comprehensively.

— By 2024, the NCAP aims to reduce PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of between 10 and 2.5 micrometres) and PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometre or less) concentrations by 20 percent to 30 percent. The base year for concentration comparison is 2017.

— The Centre has set a new target of 40 percent reduction in particulate matter concentration in cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by 2026, updating the earlier goal of 20 to 30 percent reduction by 2024.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Objectives of NCAP

— To ensure stringent implementation of mitigation measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.

— To augment and evolve effective and proficient ambient air quality monitoring network across the country for ensuring a comprehensive and reliable database.

— To augment public awareness and capacity-building measures encompassing data dissemination and public outreach programmes for inclusive public participation and for ensuring trained manpower and infrastructure on air pollution.

Conclusion:

— The acceptable annual standard for PM2.5 is 40 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5 are fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller, and pose the greatest risk to health.

— Under NCAP, city-specific action plans have been prepared which include measures for strengthening the air quality monitoring network, reducing vehicular and industrial emissions, increasing public awareness, etc.

— The NCAP will focus on collaborative and participatory approach covering all sources of pollution and coordination between relevant Central ministries, state governments, local bodies and other stakeholders.

(Source: National Clean Air Programme to combat pollution launched, to be rolled out in 102 cities, National Clean Air Programme: Centre aims at 40 percent reduction in particulate matter by 2026, loksabhadocs.nic.in)

Points to Ponder

What are Non Attainment Cities?

Central Pollution Control Board

Implementation of NCAP

Related Previous Year Questions

India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (2019)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (2023)

QUESTION 2: What is coral reef bleaching? What causes coral bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef?

Introduction:

— Coral reefs are essentially large limestone structures formed by thousands of tiny coral animals known as polyps. They’re found in over 100 nations and, like pina coladas, belong in tropical climates.

— Coral reefs cover less than 0.5% of the earth’s surface, but they are home to about 25% of all marine species.

— Coral reefs absorb 97% of wave energy and function similarly to low-crested breakwaters. This significantly lessens erosion and flooding along the coast. Events of coral bleaching are mostly caused by rising ocean temperatures brought on by climate change.

— According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), when corals are disturbed by changes in temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the algae that live in their tissue, causing them to turn white, or bleach.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Causes of Coral Bleaching

— There are various causes coral bleaching such as:

(i) Change in ocean temperature

(ii) Runoff and pollution Storm

(iii) Overexposure to sunlight

(iv) High temperatures

(v) High solar irradiance

— Extremely low tides Exposure to air during exceptionally low tides can induce bleaching in shallow corals.

— The Great Barrier Reef, which covers an area of 344,400 sq km makes up roughly 10 per cent of the world’s coral reef ecosystems.

— In the 2019 Outlook Report prepared by the Australian government, it said that climate change was the greatest threat to the Reef. Other threats included coastal development, land-based run-off and direct human use, such as activities like illegal fishing.

Conclusion:

— Coral and algae rely on one another to exist. Corals form a symbiotic connection with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which dwell in their tissues.

— Coral reef provides planetary resilience, a vast resource of potential scientific discoveries, and is the result of millions of years of evolution. Biodiversity underpins a healthy planet and social well-being.

(Source: Coral reefs damaged: What’s the big deal?, What causes coral bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef?)

Points to Ponder

What are reefs good for?

Coastal flooding

Related Previous Year Questions

What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystems? (2018)

Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (2022)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 37)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 38)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 39)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 38)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 39)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 38)

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