i. The formation of these fossil fuels coal and petroleum is a very slow process and takes very long period of time for renewal.

ii. They are available in limited amounts in nature. Therefore the coal and petroleum
reserves can get exhausted if we use them at a rapid rate. Thus they must be conserved.

Cutting down of trees gives rise to ecological problems like floods, drought, soil erosion, loss of wildlife, extinction of species, imbalance of biogeochemical cycles, alteration of climatic conditions and desertification.

The term biofertilizer denotes all nutrient inputs of biological origin for plant growth. Eg: Artificial inoculation of rice with cyanobacteria to increase soil fertility.

Significance :

(i) They are eco friendly.

(ii) They do not cause pollution like artificial fertilizers.

(iii) Help to safeguard natural resources.
(iv) They are cheaper and economical.

Genetic engineering is the manipulation and transfer of genes from one organism into another to create a new DNA called as recombinant DNA (rDNA).

The dwarfing gene was got from a dwarf variety of rice from China, named Dee-geo-woo-gen (DGWG).

(i) Forests are an important component of our environment and are dominated by microorganisms, flowering plants, shrubs, climbers, dense trees and provide a vast habitat for wild animals.

(ii) Forests also contribute to the economic development of our country.

(iii) Forests are vital for human life, it is a source for a wide range of renewable natural resource.

(iv) They provide wood, food, fodder, fibre and medicine.

(v) Forests are major factor of environmental concern. They act as carbon sink, regulate climatic conditions, increase rainfall, reduce global warming, prevent natural hazards like flood and landslides, protect wildlife and also act as catchments for water conservation.

(vi) They also play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance.

Biofortification is the scientific process of developing crop plants enriched with high levels of desirable nutrients like vitamins, proteins and minerals.

Eg:

i. Protina, Shakti and Rathna are lysine rich maize hybrids (developed in India).

ii. Atlas 66, a protein rich wheat variety.

iii. Iron-fortified rice variety.

iv. Vitamin A enriched carrots, pumpkin and spinach.

The above nutritional quality crops help in removing hidden hunger.

(i) Polythene bags and plastics are non-bio degradable materials.

(ii) If they are used, they accumulate in the soil, water bodies etc.,

(iii) In the soil, they get buried and alter the nature of the soil. It prevents aeration of the soil and affects microbes. Excessive accumulation of plastic can render the soil barren.

(iv) In water bodies, they cover the water surface and prevent oxygen from diffusing into the water thereby affecting aquatic flora and fauna.

(v) Plastic covers also find their way into the stomach of animals during feeding and may even prove to be fatal.

(vi) Burning of plastics, produces dioxin which can cause developmental and reproductive problems, damage the immune system.

Alternate methods to avoid plastics are :

i. Use bags made of eco friendly materials.

ii. Use dining plates/ cups made of bio-degradable materials instead of plastic plates / cups.

iii. Use vessels / containers made of steel.

iv. Carry our own cloth bags for shopping.

The ban on plastics by the Government will improve the environment because:

(i) Plastic waste will be reduced and slowly disappear.

(ii) It will help the water bodies and soil to promote microbial growth.

(iii) It will lead to decrease in challenges faced by Government in disposal of solid waste.

(iv) Human beings will not be exposed to health hazards caused by use of plastics especially dining plates and cups.

(i) The non-conventional energy resources such as solar power, wind energy, hydropower etc., seem to be promising since they are available abundantly, are cheap and can meet the demand of our Nation.

(ii) It is not pollution the environment. Hence steps are taken to replace commercial sources with non-conventional sources of energy.

i. P - Beta carotene gene

ii. Q - -Genome of Rice plants

iii. R- Golden Rice.

(ii) Importance of 'R in India : Golden Rice, genetically modified rice can produce beta carotene, that can prevent Vitamin A deficiency.

Some disadvantages of Green revolution:

(i) This promotes monoculture of certain desired plant varieties.

(ii) Use of fertilizers / pesticides in excess alters the chemical composition of the soil.

(iii) All farmers cannot afford the cost.

(iv) Environmentalists felt that because of green revolution the soil was affected and certain traditional crops varieties have been neglected.

Organic Farming:

i. In contrast organic farming avoids utilization of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides and makes use of green manures, compost and biological pest control which do not harm the environment.

ii. Further growing different plant species will lead to efficient use of nutrients and cause fewer outbreaks of disease.

iii. Organic farming techniques like Inter cropping, use of companion plants will also increase biodiversity.

iv. Thus organic farming is stable, sustainable and beneficial for the future generations.

v. So, organic farming is Eco-friendly and better than Green revolution.