General Studies 2022 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

Q7

Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

इसके निर्माण, प्रभाव और शमन को महत्व देते हुए फोटोकैमिकल स्मॉग की विस्तारपूर्वक चर्चा कीजिए। 1999 के गोथेनबर्ग प्रोटोकॉल को समझाइए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' requires a comprehensive, analytical treatment covering multiple dimensions of photochemical smog and the Gothenburg Protocol. Structure as: brief definition → formation mechanism (NOx + VOCs + sunlight) → effects (health, agriculture, visibility) → mitigation strategies → Gothenburg Protocol explanation (objectives, target pollutants, India's status) → concluding linkage between national action and international commitments.

Key points expected

Photochemical smog formation: NOx and VOCs react in presence of sunlight to produce ozone, PAN, aldehydes; temperature inversion aids accumulation
Primary and secondary pollutants distinction: NOx/VOCs as primary, ozone/PAN as secondary
Health effects: respiratory diseases, eye irritation, reduced lung function; agricultural damage: crop yield reduction, leaf damage
Mitigation: catalytic converters, odd-even schemes, BS-VI norms, urban greening, industrial emission controls
Gothenburg Protocol 1999: under UNECE Air Convention; targets acidification, eutrophication, ground-level ozone; India not yet party
Protocol's multi-pollutant approach: SO2, NOx, VOCs, NH3 with emission ceilings and Gothenburg Critical Loads concept

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Demonstrates clear grasp that 'discuss' requires analytical depth across formation, effects, mitigation AND explanatory clarity for Gothenburg Protocol; balances both components without neglecting either	Addresses both parts but treats them descriptively rather than analytically; minor imbalance in coverage	Misinterprets directive as mere listing; severely imbalanced coverage or omits Gothenburg Protocol entirely
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Scientifically accurate on photochemical reactions (NOx+VOCs+hv→O3), identifies PAN and peroxyacetyl nitrate; correctly states Protocol's 1999 adoption, 2012 amendments, multi-pollutant scope and India's non-party status	Generally accurate but vague on chemical mechanism or Protocol specifics; minor factual errors on pollutants covered	Confuses photochemical with London smog; incorrect on Protocol (e.g., calls it climate treaty, wrong year, wrong pollutants)
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression: definition→formation→effects→mitigation→Protocol→synthesis; seamless transitions within 150-word constraint; clear paragraphing	Adequate structure but some abrupt transitions; either smog or Protocol section dominates disproportionately	Disorganised or fragmented; no clear demarcation between smog discussion and Protocol explanation; exceeds word limit significantly
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Includes India-specific examples: Delhi-NCR smog episodes, GRAP implementation, BS-VI adoption; cites Protocol's 2012 amendment adding particulate matter or mentions India's 2018 signing (not ratification)	Generic examples only (Los Angeles smog) or no Indian context; Protocol mentioned without amendment details	No examples whatsoever; or irrelevant examples (confusing with water pollution protocols like Rotterdam)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Synthesises both components: links photochemical smog mitigation to Protocol's ground-level ozone targets; notes India's need to ratify for transboundary pollution control; forward-looking on NCAP integration	Brief summary restating points without synthesis; no analytical connection between smog and Protocol	No conclusion; or abrupt ending; or introduces new unrelated content; purely descriptive closure

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