On this page you will find articles that fall under subject Environment for UPSC IAS Mains 2024 examination.
Environment Current Affairs For UPSC IAS Mains 2024 Examination
India’s first complete survey finds dolphin threats
Source: The post India’s first complete survey finds dolphin threats has been created, based on the article “What the first-ever comprehensive survey of India’s river dolphins found” published in “Indian Express” on 6th March 2025. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment- Conservation Context: The article talks about the first complete survey of river dolphins in… Continue reading India’s first complete survey finds dolphin threats
Supreme Court decision may limit orans’ community control
Source: The post Supreme Court decision may limit orans’ community control has been created, based on the article “The way to protect orans” published in “The Hindu” on 4th March 2025. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment-Conservation Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s move to protect orans (sacred forests) in Rajasthan by formalizing their… Continue reading Supreme Court decision may limit orans’ community control
Wetlands are disappearing and need urgent protection
Source: The post Wetlands are disappearing and need urgent protection has been created, based on the article “The necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation” published in “The Hindu” on 1st March 2025. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Environment- Conservation Context: The article discusses the importance of wetlands and their conservation. It highlights global and Indian wetland loss… Continue reading Wetlands are disappearing and need urgent protection
Maha Kumbh Mela increases Ganga pollution and raises concerns
Source: The post Maha Kumbh Mela increases Ganga pollution and raises concerns has been created, based on the article “Watering down: Pollution in Ganga needs long-term solutions, not denialism” published in “The Hindu” on 21st February 2025. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment Context: The article discusses water pollution in the Ganga during the Maha… Continue reading Maha Kumbh Mela increases Ganga pollution and raises concerns
India faces rising heatwave threats and challenges
Source: The post India faces rising heatwave threats and challenges has been created, based on the article “We need to tackle heatwaves with greater urgency” published in “Indian Express” on 14th February 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment and Disaster and disaster management. Context: The article talks about the rising heatwave threat in India… Continue reading India faces rising heatwave threats and challenges
COP29 is called the Climate Finance COP
Source: The post COP29 is called the Climate Finance COP has been created, based on the article “A role for India in South-South climate cooperation” published in “The Hindu” on 12th February 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment Context: The article discusses COP29, called the Climate Finance COP, and its role in implementing Article… Continue reading COP29 is called the Climate Finance COP
India prioritizes growth and adaptation over emissions
Source: The post India prioritizes growth and adaptation over emissions has been created, based on the article “‘Excessive preoccupation with temperature goal’: How India has signalled shift in approach to climate crisis” published in “Indian Express” on 7th February 2025. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment- Conservation Context: The article discusses India’s changing approach to… Continue reading India prioritizes growth and adaptation over emissions
Implications of Supreme Court order on sacred groves
Source: The post Implications of Supreme Court order on sacred groves has been created, based on the article “What is the Supreme Court directive on sacred groves?” published in “The Hindu” on 6th February 2025. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment- Conservation Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s order to map and classify Rajasthan’s… Continue reading Implications of Supreme Court order on sacred groves
Protecting old trees and animals is important
Source: The post Protecting old trees and animals is important has been created, based on the article “Ageing trees and animals are more valuable than we think” published in “Live mint” on 29th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment Context: The article explains why protecting old trees and animals is important. Ancient trees… Continue reading Protecting old trees and animals is important
Threats to India’s constitutional values
Source: The post threats to India’s constitutional values has been created, based on the article “New study reveals how microplastics can potentially affect the brain, cognitive function: Study” published in “Down to Earth” on 24th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment- Pollution Context: The article discusses a study on how microplastics may block… Continue reading Threats to India’s constitutional values
Urbanization affecting groundwater
Source: The post urbanization affecting groundwater has been created, based on the article “Address India’s worsening urban groundwater crisis” published in “Live mint” on 23rd January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment Context: The article highlights India’s groundwater crisis, with contamination and over-extraction worsening due to urbanization, fertilizer… Continue reading Urbanization affecting groundwater
Environmental Change: How Is Chennai Reflecting Global Challenges?
Source: This post on Environmental Change: How Is Chennai Reflecting Global Challenges? has been created based on article “The world has been changing for a while” published in The Hindu on 22nd January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Environment Context: This article explores the ongoing global transformations across various dimensions such as the… Continue reading Environmental Change: How Is Chennai Reflecting Global Challenges?
India’s Climate Warming Trends and Future Challenges
Source: The post India’s Climate Warming Trends and Future Challenges has been created, based on the article “2024 was the warmest year for India and the world. But why was warming lower over India?” published in “Indian Express” on 15th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Environment- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.… Continue reading India’s Climate Warming Trends and Future Challenges
India’s Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024
Source: The post India’s Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 has been created, based on the article “Ground realities: Groundwater contamination poses serious hazards” published in “Business Standard” on 15th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment Context: The article discusses India’s heavy reliance on groundwater for drinking and… Continue reading India’s Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024
California Fires
Source: This post on California Fires has been created based on article “California fires are a reminder of lines we must not cross” published in The Indian Express on 15th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic- GS Paper 3- Environment Context: The article reflects on the recurring wildfires in California as a symbol of broader societal… Continue reading California Fires
Climate resilience in India
Source: This post on Climate resilience in India has been created based on article “Planning for a hotter world” published in The Indian Express on 13th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic- GS Paper 3- Environment Context: The article emphasizes the urgent need for India to integrate climate resilience into its financial planning and national priorities.… Continue reading Climate resilience in India
Why Tigers Roam: Dispersal, Threats, and the Struggle for Territory
Source: This post on Why Tigers Roam: Dispersal, Threats, and the Struggle for Territory has been created based on article “Space crunch, threats, a natural tendency: Why tigers go on long walks ” published in Indian Express on 11th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus- GS Paper 3- Environment Context: The article explores the natural behavior of… Continue reading Why Tigers Roam: Dispersal, Threats, and the Struggle for Territory
Breaching 1.5°C
Source: This post on Breaching 1.5°C has been created based on article “What breaching 1.5°C means ” published in Indian Express on 11th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus- GS Paper 3 – Environment Context: The article discusses the significant milestone in climate change: the year 2024 became the first calendar year to breach the 1.5°C global… Continue reading Breaching 1.5°C
River Interlinking and challenges
Source: This post on River Interlinking and challenges has been created based on article “The right to food and the struggle with the PDS” published in The Hindu on 9th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus-GS 3- Environment Context: The article critically examines India’s ambitious river interlinking project, with a focus on the Ken-Betwa River… Continue reading River Interlinking and challenges
The End of Global Climate Policy
Source: This post on Shift in global climate policy has been created based on article “The End of Global Climate Policy“ published in The Hindu on 7th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS 3-Environment Context: The article examines a pivotal shift in global climate policy following the 2024 climate conference in Baku, which marked a… Continue reading The End of Global Climate Policy
Rising Nitrate Levels in India’s Groundwater
Source: This post on Rising Nitrate Levels in India’s Groundwater has been created based on article “India, cross-border insolvency and legal reform ” published in The Hindu on 4th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment Context: India’s groundwater quality is facing a significant threat, as highlighted by… Continue reading Rising Nitrate Levels in India’s Groundwater
How Electric Vehicles Can Improve Delhi’s Air
Source: The post How Electric Vehicles Can Improve Delhi’s Air has been created, based on the article “Why Delhi needs to shift to EVs” published in “Indian Express” on 4th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Environment Context: The article discusses the benefits of converting all vehicles in Delhi to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce… Continue reading How Electric Vehicles Can Improve Delhi’s Air
Community Action and Governance in Environmental Issues
Source: The post Community Action and Governance in Environmental Issues has been created, based on the article “Bishnois v Delhiites: Two different mindsets” published in “Down to Eat” on 28th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment Context: The article highlights two cases: Salman Khan’s arrest for poaching in Jodhpur and Delhi’s failure to… Continue reading Community Action and Governance in Environmental Issues
Captive Elephants in India Face Rising Exploitation
Source: The post Captive Elephants in India Face Rising Exploitation has been created, based on the article “Rules that still manacle the captive elephant” published in “The Hindu” on 28th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Ecological and Environment Context: The article discusses the mistreatment of captive elephants in India, despite their protection under… Continue reading Captive Elephants in India Face Rising Exploitation
18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023)
Source: The post 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023) has been created, based on the article “Why growth of India’s overall green cover is not all good news” published in “Indian Express” on 24th December 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment Context: The article discusses the 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023),… Continue reading 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023)
How to Read Environment for UPSC?
Environment is part of UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains examination. In Prelims, it is part of General Studies (Paper I) and in Mains, it is part of General Studies Paper III. Every year around 15 to 20% questions are asked from this subject in Prelims and around 2-3 questions are asked in Mains. After 2013, when Prelims for Indian Forest Service got combined with the UPSC Civil Services, the weightage of Environment and Ecology has increased. So, it is very important for the students to prepare well Environment for UPSC.
In this article, we will discuss about How to Read Environment for UPSC. First of all, we will see the past 8 years’ trend of number of questions asked in UPSC Prelims from Environment and Ecology.
2021- 15
2022- 19
2023- 20
| Year | Number of questions asked |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2014 | 31 |
| 2013 | 22 |
Overview of the syllabus of Environment and Ecology:
| Examination | Syllabus |
| UPSC Prelims- General Studies –Paper I | General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – (do not require subject specialization) |
| UPSC Mains- General Studies -Paper III | Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management, EIA |
Strategy to read Environment for UPSC: Before starting the preparation for Environment and Ecology, it is important for the students to keep in mind that this topic is not a separate topic. It is interlinked with other subjects like Geography, Science, Economy, Government Schemes, Current affairs (National and International). In this era of 21st century, when climate change and sustainable development have become important topics, it is important to pay attention to Environment for UPSC.
- Start with the syllabus: It is important to start your preparation after going through the syllabus of Environment and Ecology. It will help students when they will read the topics from books, magazines and most importantly newspapers. It will help them to always remain in right track.
- Selection of reading materials:For good knowledge and content, it is important to select your materials very specifically and revise them again and again rather than referring too many sources. Here we will discuss some important sources for Environment and Ecology:
- Study material of good institutions and revise them multiple times.
- Last 4 chapters of Class XII Biology NCERT textbook.
- One Newspaper which one needs to ready daily to cover current affairs related to Environment and Ecology. It will help in both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
- One monthly current affairs magazine.
- One can also refer Down to Earth magazine for enriching their content in Mains.
- Reading the same sourcing multiple times:If you want to win the race and not fall behind others, then it is important that you read the same materials again and again. This is very important practice for a UPSC aspirants as the sources for UPSC preparation are never ending. So, one needs to stick to the same source to build their command over the subject.
- Connect and update the static knowledge with the current affairs: If you will keep reading the same static source without updating it with current events, then your materials and notes will become outdated. So, co-relation is very important in this subject as most of the topics are current events based. For example, Ramsar Sites in India.
- Make a list of important topics: Students need to make a note of important topics for the exam and should go through them multiple times. Some important topics are:
- International Institutions
- National and International initiatives
- Biodiversity
- Ecology
- Protected Areas
- Climate change and pollution
- Sustainable development
- Refer previous UPSC Papers: To get the proper idea about which kind of questions are asked in UPSC Prelims and Mains, Past Year UPSC papers are very useful. Through this, one can also analyze from which topic most of the questions are asked. And accordingly, one can continue to their preparation. It will also provide the basic understanding of the level of the UPSC Prelims and Mains exam.
- Solve multiple MCQs and practice answer writing daily:It is important for the students to solve MCQs just after they complete one chapter. And after completing the whole syllabus, they should solve MCQs on a daily basis at least 20 MCQs. In case of Mains, one should start their answer writing practice after completing the whole UPSC Syllabus for Mains related to Environment and Ecology. Daily answer writing will enhance their writing capability and will also enrich their content. It will help them when they will write the answer finally in Mains exam.
Environment and Ecology is one of the most interesting and important subjects in UPSC syllabus. It has both static as well as dynamic linkage. Students should prepare it well.
