UPSC CARE Mains Practice 9th March 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Artificial Intelligence is increasingly transforming labour markets across the world. Discuss the potential impacts of AI on employment and economic structures, particularly in developing economies like India.
- India has submitted its Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), assessing progress toward the 2030 biodiversity targets under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.Examine India’s progress, challenges, and the measures required to achieve its biodiversity commitments by 2030. (GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity Conservation, International Environmental Agreements)
Q. Artificial Intelligence is increasingly transforming labour markets across the world. Discuss the potential impacts of AI on employment and economic structures, particularly in developing economies like India.
Introduction:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially Large Language Models, is transforming the nature of work globally. While AI enhances productivity and efficiency, it also raises concerns about job displacement, particularly in knowledge-based sectors.
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Impact on Employment
AI can automate tasks such as programming, financial analysis, legal documentation and customer support. This has the potential to reduce demand for certain occupations, particularly entry-level roles.
However, jobs requiring physical labour, creativity and interpersonal interaction remain relatively less vulnerable to automation.
Implications for India
India’s IT services sector faces particular risks because many of its services involve tasks that AI tools can perform. Analysts estimate that AI may reduce revenues of IT services companies by around 9–12% over the next few years.
Additionally, India faces structural challenges such as skill gaps, low R&D investment and uneven access to quality education, which may limit the workforce’s ability to adapt.
Way Forward
To address these challenges, India must invest in skill development, strengthen STEM education, promote innovation and encourage industries to adopt AI technologies productively.
Conclusion:
AI-driven technological change is inevitable. With the right policies and investments in human capital, India can transform this challenge into an opportunity for long-term economic growth and technological leadership.
Q. India has submitted its Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), assessing progress toward the 2030 biodiversity targets under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.Examine India’s progress, challenges, and the measures required to achieve its biodiversity commitments by 2030. (GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity Conservation, International Environmental Agreements)
Introduction:
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global environmental treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity, ensuring sustainable use of biological resources, and promoting equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources. India recently submitted its Seventh National Report (NR7) assessing progress toward the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets for 2030. While the report highlights improvements in forest cover, ecosystem restoration and flagship species conservation, it also shows that only two of the 23 national biodiversity targets are clearly on track.
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Progress Achieved
1. Expansion of Forest and Tree Cover
- India’s forest and tree cover has reached 827,357 sq km (25.17% of geographical area).
- An increase of 1,445.81 sq km between 2021–2023 reflects ongoing conservation efforts.
2. Ecosystem Restoration Initiatives
- India has pledged to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge.
- About 24.1 million hectares have already been restored or are under restoration.
3. Species Conservation Success
- Tiger population reached 3,167, demonstrating successful conservation programmes.
- Populations of Asiatic lions and one-horned rhinoceros are stable or increasing.
4. Biodiversity Integration in Land-use Planning
- Wetland inventories, coastal zone management plans, and eco-sensitive zones around protected areas have been implemented.
- Digital environmental clearance platform PARIVESH 2.0 improves regulatory monitoring.
Key Challenges
1. Limited Progress Toward Global Targets
- Only NBT1 (land-use planning) and NBT2 (ecosystem restoration) are clearly on track.
- Many other targets lack measurable progress.
2. Land Degradation and Habitat Loss
- 29.77% of India’s geographical area (about 97 million hectares) faces land degradation.
3. Inadequate Conservation Coverage
- Only about 5% of India’s geographical area is designated as protected areas, far below the 30×30 global conservation goal.
4. Data Gaps and Monitoring Challenges
- Biodiversity data is scattered across departments with inconsistent methodologies.
- Limited data is available for lesser-known species and ecosystems.
5. Climate Change Impacts
- Rising floods, droughts and forest fires threaten biodiversity conservation outcomes.
Way Forward
- Expand protected areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to achieve the 30% conservation target.
- Strengthen biodiversity monitoring systems and unified national databases.
- Promote community-based conservation involving indigenous and local communities.
- Integrate biodiversity conservation with climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture policies.
- Increase financial and institutional capacity for biodiversity management.
Conclusion:
India’s Seventh National Biodiversity Report shows encouraging progress in ecosystem restoration and flagship species conservation. However, achieving the 2030 biodiversity targets requires stronger implementation, improved monitoring, and expanded conservation coverage. Strengthening biodiversity governance will be essential for safeguarding ecosystems while contributing to global biodiversity commitments.
