​Falling behind: On Mumbai and the monsoon

Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?

1. A. The European Union
2. B. The World Bank
3. C. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
4. D. The Food and Agriculture Organization

With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct

1. A. It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on biological diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'
2. B. It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at the global level
3. C. It is an agency under the OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with
4. D. Both a and b

Consider the following statements with reference to India's response to climate change :

I. India's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
II. India's 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019.
III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets.

Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct ?

1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II.
2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I.
3. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 1 and 2
3. C. 2 and 3
4. D. 3 only

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:
At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the “Declaration on Climate and Health”.

Statement II:
The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector.

Statement III:
If India’s health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. B. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. C. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. D. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change.

Statement II:
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets.

Statement III:
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. B. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
3. C. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. D. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

“Climate Action Tracker" which emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

1. A. Database created by coalition of research organisations
2. B. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
3. C. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
4. D. Agency promoted and financed by the United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank.

Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’?

1. A. Long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year.
2. B. Requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels.
3. C. Efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place.
4. D. Contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at

1. A. The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg
2. B. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro
3. C. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris
4. D. The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi

"Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by

1. A. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
2. B. The UNEP Secretariat
3. C. The UNFCCC Secretariat
4. D. The World Meteorological Organisation

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

Consider the following factors regarding urban flooding in Mumbai, as mentioned in the article: 1. Mumbai's geography, largely built on reclaimed land and low-lying areas. 2. Haphazard urbanisation encouraging water runoff rather than absorption. 3. Increasing erraticity of monsoon patterns due to climate change. 4. Coincidence of heavy rainfall with high tides. Which of the factors listed above contribute to Mumbai's vulnerability to severe flooding?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. C. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

With reference to the BRIMSTOWAD project mentioned in the article, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It was initiated in response to the severe Mumbai floods of July 2005. 2. Its completed infrastructure upgrades are based on assumptions about monsoon patterns that have been undermined by climate change. 3. The project has successfully eliminated urban flooding in Mumbai through its comprehensive implementation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 1 and 2 only
3. C. 2 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

According to the article, a significant 'governance lapse' contributing to Mumbai's persistent vulnerability to urban flooding is characterized by:

1. A. The complete absence of any pre-monsoon desilting operations.
2. B. Over-reliance on international agencies for disaster response and planning.
3. C. Fragmented accountability across multiple government agencies and incomplete infrastructure projects.
4. D. A singular focus on reactive measures without any proactive adaptation strategies.

Mumbai's persistent vulnerability to urban flooding is a complex interplay of geographical factors, haphazard urbanisation, and the increasing erraticity of monsoon patterns due to climate change, further compounded by governance lapses. Analyze this statement in the context of urban resilience, suggesting measures for proactive adaptation strategies in Indian cities.

Introduce the multi-faceted problem of urban flooding in Mumbai. Elaborate on each contributing factor (geography, urbanisation, climate change, governance lapses) with examples from the article. Define urban resilience and discuss how these factors undermine it. Conclude by suggesting comprehensive proactive adaptation strategies for Indian cities, focusing on infrastructure, policy, and governance.

Despite projects like BRIMSTOWAD, Mumbai continues to face severe monsoon challenges, partly because 'some completed upgrades are based on assumptions about the monsoon that climate change has since undermined.' Discuss the implications of climate change on urban infrastructure planning and the need for dynamic policy interventions for sustainable urban development.

Begin by highlighting the inadequacy of existing infrastructure projects like BRIMSTOWAD in the face of changing climate patterns. Explain how climate change alters traditional assumptions for urban infrastructure design (e.g., rainfall intensity, sea levels). Discuss the critical need for dynamic, climate-resilient policy interventions, including updated building codes, nature-based solutions, integrated water management, and adaptive urban planning.