Model Answer

1. Globalization and Trade: Increased international trade, transportation, and tourism have facilitated the movement of non-native species. For example, the Argentine ant has become a significant threat to native Hawaiian arthropods due to global shipping routesIllegal Wildlife Trade: The trade of exotic plants and animals contributes to the spread of IAS. Species such as tree squirrels have been introduced worldwide, mainly through the international pet trade .
2. Natural Predators: When IAS are introduced into new environments, they often lack natural predators, allowing them to proliferate uncontrollably. A case in point is the brown tree snake in Guam, which caused the extinction of several bird species due to the absence of predators .
3. *High Surv: Certain IAS, like the Senna plant, possess high reproductive rates and rapid growth, enabling them to dominate ecosystems and outcompete native species .

Harmful Effects India

1. Threats to Natural Systems: Around 66% of India’s natural ecosystems are threatened by IAS. For instance, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats is heavily impacted by the invasion of species like Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora, and Chromolaena odorata .
2. Economic Losses: IAS posecant economic threat. The loss of ecosystem services due to IAS affects forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and other natural systems, costing the Indian economy an estimated $182.6 billion .
3. Biodiversity Threats: IAS suppressodiversity and cause local extinctions. For example, the spread of Prosopis juliflora in Tamil Nadu has altered agricultural lands and grazing commons, forcing local communities to seek new livelihoods .
4. Health Risks: Some IAS, such as the Asian tito, are vectors of diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya, posing significant health threats to humans .

In summary, the spread of IAS is driven by globalizati and a lack of natural predators, which disrupt ecosystems, economies, and human health. Addressing this challenge is crucial for India’s biodiversity conservation and sustainable development efforts.

Model Answer

Rewilding is an innovative approach to environmental conservation aimed at restoring ecosystems that have been altered by human activities to their natural state. It involves allowing wildlife and natural processes to reclaim areas that are no longer under human management, helping to rejuvenate biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

Principles Guiding Rewilding Initiatives

1. Utilization of Wildlife
   Rewilding efforts should include the reintroduction of keystone species that play a critical role in ecological balance. These species help restore trophic interactions and contribute to ecosystem health. For instance, the reintroduction of the rare pygmy hog in Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve is an example of this principle in action.
2. Identification of Core Areas
   Rewilding requires securing core areas that support diverse species, restoring connectivity between these regions, and ensuring that humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully. Critical Wildlife Habitats, such as those established in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, help protect these essential areas.
3. Community Engagement
   Local community support is vital for the success of rewilding projects. In the Western Himalayan region, local communities actively protect snow leopard habitats, showing the importance of involving indigenous knowledge and fostering stewardship.
4. Focus on Ecological Recovery
   Rewilding initiatives should prioritize the recovery of ecological processes and interactions that once existed in healthy ecosystems. These efforts must be based on scientific evidence and local knowledge to guide restoration.
5. Climate Change Mitigation
   Rewilding projects should address the impacts of climate change by incorporating adaptive strategies. For example, the ecological restoration in the Aravali Biodiversity Park uses climate-resilient tree species like babool and ghatbor.
6. Scientific and Local Knowledge
   A successful rewilding approach must integrate both scientific research and local, traditional knowledge. Sacred groves in the Western Ghats, managed with a blend of religious and ecological understanding, exemplify this approach.
7. Adaptive Management
   Continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies are essential for ensuring rewilding projects remain effective and can evolve based on changing ecological and climatic conditions.

These principles form the foundation for rewilding efforts that aim to restore biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and achieve long-term ecological sustainability.

Model Answer

India, as a developing nation, faces numerous challenges related to resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable economic growth. Resource efficiency (RE) and circularity play a crucial role in addressing these issues, making them especially significant for India’s development.

1. Decoupling Economic Growth from Resource Use
India’s resource extraction rate is nearly three times higher than the global average. Adopting RE&C can help reduce this high extraction rate, allowing the country to continue economic growth without excessively depleting natural resources. By improving resource efficiency, India can maximize the output per unit of resources consumed, minimizing waste while maintaining economic expansion.

2. Resource Independence
India, with its growing industrialization and population, faces increasing resource scarcity, which is exacerbated by rapid demand and global supply chain vulnerabilities. Circularity and resource efficiency can reduce India’s dependence on imported raw materials by making better use of existing resources through recycling, reuse, and refurbishment. This leads to greater self-sufficiency in essential materials, mitigating risks related to global supply disruptions.

3. Enhanced Competitiveness
Efficient use of resources can significantly cut costs for industries. Raw material costs are a major expenditure for Indian industries, and improving resource efficiency can boost their competitiveness. The circular economy model is expected to generate significant financial benefits—around $624 billion annually by 2050 for India, contributing to increased profitability.

4. Environmental and Economic Benefits
Adopting resource-efficient practices helps India reduce environmental degradation and waste production, particularly in energy sectors, where solar and wind energy contribute to reduced fossil fuel reliance. A circular economy approach can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44%, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals.

5. Job Creation and Economic Growth
The transition to a circular economy will create new employment opportunities, particularly in the repair, maintenance, and recycling sectors. It is also expected that India’s circular economy could contribute up to $45 billion by 2030, promoting long-term economic growth.

Conclusion
Resource efficiency and circularity are vital for achieving sustainable development goals and advancing India’s economy, making these principles essential for India’s path to becoming a five trillion-dollar economy.

Model Answer

India’s automotive sector is rapidly growing, with the country becoming one of the most attractive destinations for global automobile manufacturers. Key factors contributing to this include:

1. Low Production Costs

India offers a significant cost advantage due to its cheap labor and affordable raw materials. These factors allow manufacturers to produce vehicles at a lower cost compared to traditional automotive hubs such as the U.S. and Europe. This makes India an ideal location for setting up production facilitiesesearch and Development Opportunities** India’s thriving IT and technology ecosystem provides opportunities for collaborations in research and development (R&D). Global manufacturers, like Faurecia, are partnering with premier institutions such as IISC Bangalore to develop innovative automotive solutions, including advancements in Artificial Intelligence .

2. of Domestic Automobile Industry

Indian carmakers like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland have formed international partnerships, enhancing their global presence. This has encouraged foreign manufacturers to set up operations in India and tap into both domestic and international markets .

3. Emergencecturing Clusters

India’s strategic auto manufacturing hubs, such as the Indore-Pithampur-Mandideep cluster in Madhya Pradesh, host numerous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and component makers. These clusters, offering economies of scale, have attracted global players looking to invest in India .

4. Government Initiat Indian government’s support through schemes like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for automobiles, Make in India 2.0, and policies encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) have made India a favorable environment for automobile investments .

5. Shift Towards Green Mobilits commitment to green mobility through initiatives like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and FAME schemes has positioned it as a hub for electric and hybrid vehicle production .

These factors, combined with growing domed driven by rising disposable incomes, have established India as a key player in the global automotive industry.

Model Answer

1. Puga Valley, Ladakh: Known as India’s most promising geothermal field, it has high heat flow and geothermal springs.
2. Tatapani, Chhattisgarh: Located in the Sarguja district, this site has been extensively studied for its geothermal potential.
3. Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh: A well-known site with geothermal springs, often visited for its religious significance.
4. Bakreswar, West Bengal: Features geothermal manifestations like hot springs with potential for energy production.
5. Cambay Basin, Gujarat: Offers potential for geothermal energy development due to its favorable geological conditions.
6. Tattapani, Jharkhand: A smaller site with potential for localized geothermal energy projects.

Reasons for India’s Nascent Stage in Geothermal Energy Utilization

1. Availability of Alternative Energy Sources:
   • India historically relied on abundant and inexpensive coal for energy.
   • The focus has shifted to solar, wind, and green hydrogen under missions like the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
2. High Initial Costs:
   • Developing a geothermal power plant costs $2-$7 million per megawatt.
   • Significant upfront investment is required for exploration, drilling, and plant setup.
3. Technical Challenges:
   • Deep drilling operations require expertise, which has only recently become available in India.
4. Restricted Locations:
   • Geothermal plants need to be close to reservoirs due to the impracticality of transporting steam or hot water.
   • Most geothermal sites are in remote areas, complicating grid connectivity.
5. Limited Awareness and Policy Push:
   • Compared to solar and wind energy, geothermal energy lacks widespread awareness and government incentives.

Steps Toward Development

India aims to harness 10 GW of geothermal energy by 2030 through international collaborations with nations like the US and New Zealand. With its reliability and low carbon footprint, geothermal energy can significantly enhance India’s energy mix as infrastructure and expertise improve.