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
UN Biodiversity Conference- COP16
Source: The post UN Biodiversity Conference- COP16 has been created, based on the article “Biodiversity COP16: What is it, what is on agenda this year” published in “Indian Express” on 23rd October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Context: The article discusses the UN Biodiversity… Continue reading UN Biodiversity Conference- COP16
India needs a Nature Restoration Law
Source: The post India needs a Nature Restoration Law has been created, based on the article “The case for a nature restoration law in India” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Context: The article suggests India needs a Nature Restoration Law, inspired by… Continue reading India needs a Nature Restoration Law
Global Water Crisis Warning
Source: The post Global Water Crisis Warning has been created, based on the article “A major new report makes the case for water as a global common good?” published in “Indian Express” on 21st October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Environment — Conservation. Context: The article discusses a report by the Global Commission… Continue reading Global Water Crisis Warning
Need for climate finance is especially critical for developing countries
Source: The post need for climate finance is especially critical for developing countries has been created, based on the article “On climate finance to developing nations” published in “The Hindu” on 21st October 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment — Conservation. Context: The article discusses the need for climate finance, especially for… Continue reading Need for climate finance is especially critical for developing countries
Reasons and their impacts for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities
Source: The post reasons and their impacts for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities has been created, based on the article “A critical message for the urban elite” published in “The Hindu” on 14th October is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation Context: The article discusses how poor urban… Continue reading Reasons and their impacts for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities
Significance of slag in the environment
Source: The post significance of slag in the environment has been created, based on the article “New sedimentary rock made from slag is a carbon-trapping champ” published in “The Hindu” on 10th October is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Environment-Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation. Context: The article discusses how industrial waste, like slag,… Continue reading Significance of slag in the environment
Differences between the UK’s and India’s approach to phasing out coal power
Source: The post differences between the UK’s and India’s approach to phasing out coal power has been created, based on the article “Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India” published in “The Hindu” on 9th October is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Context: The… Continue reading Differences between the UK’s and India’s approach to phasing out coal power
Importance of accurate population estimates for conserving endangered animals
Source: The post importance of accurate population estimates for conserving endangered animals has been created, based on the article “Express View on shelving an elephant census: Elephant in the room” published in “Indian Express” on 4th October is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Conservation Context: The article discusses the importance of accurate population… Continue reading Importance of accurate population estimates for conserving endangered animals
Negative impact of delayed La Niña and late monsoon on air quality in north India
Source: The post negative impact of delayed La Niña and late monsoon on air quality in north India has been created, based on the article “The La Nina and North India’s pollution” published in “Indian Express” on 1st October is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- environmental pollution Context: The article discusses the negative… Continue reading Negative impact of delayed La Niña and late monsoon on air quality in north India
Issues with Climate Predictions
Source: The post Issues with Climate Predictions has been created, based on the article “How global warming affects forecasting” published in “The Hindu” on 26th September is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment Context: The article discusses the extreme weather events of 2023-2024 linked to global warming. It highlights the challenges in… Continue reading Issues with Climate Predictions
Main pollution issues in India
Source: The post main pollution issues in India has been created, based on the article “Vacancies in pollution control boards: A deeper malaise” published in “Indian Express” on 25th September is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Context: The article discusses pollution issues in India, affecting not just big… Continue reading Main pollution issues in India
Issues with Project Cheetah
Source: The post Issues with Project Cheetah has been created, based on the article “What is the current status of the introduction of African cheetahs?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th September is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- ecology, and environment-conservation Context: The article discusses India’s plan to reintroduce African cheetahs to restore… Continue reading Issues with Project Cheetah
Climate Justice for future generations
Source: The post Climate Justice for future generations has been created, based on the article “Rights of future generations must guide climate debate” published in “The Hindu” on 17th September is 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment – Climate Change Context: The article discusses the upcoming 2024 UN Summit, focusing on future… Continue reading Climate Justice for future generations
Shift in India’s Climate Policy
Source: The post shift in India’s climate policy has been created, based on the article “Establishing a carbon market” published in “The Hindu” on 29th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context: The article discusses India’s transition from energy efficiency targets in polluting industries like iron… Continue reading Shift in India’s Climate Policy
Tanager-1 Satellite
Source: The post Tanager-1 Satellite has been created, based on the article “Tanager-1: Why NASA has launched a satellite to track methane emissions” published in “Indian Express” on 24th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment- Pollution Context: The article discusses the launch of the Tanager-1 satellite, which tracks methane and carbon dioxide emissions.… Continue reading Tanager-1 Satellite
Environmental Degradation and Empowerment of the Meek
Source-This post on Environmental Degradation and Empowerment of the Meek has been created based on the article “After Wayanad, time to empower common people to claim their rightful inheritance” published in “The Indian Express” on 22 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context – Ongoing environmental damage in… Continue reading Environmental Degradation and Empowerment of the Meek
Challenges of EU’s CBAM for India
Source: This post ‘Challenges of EU’s CBAM for India’, is based on the article The EU’s border tax poses major challenges for Indian businesses, published in Live Mint on 19th August 2024. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3 -Environment – Climate Change and global warming Context: European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which mandates… Continue reading Challenges of EU’s CBAM for India
Climate Change Challenges Faced by The Panama Canal
Source-This post on Climate Change Challenges Faced by The Panama Canal has been created based on the article “Why climate change poses an existential threat to Panama Canal” published in “The Indian Express” on 17 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment Context -The Panama Canal, which opened on… Continue reading Climate Change Challenges Faced by The Panama Canal
India’s severe air pollution crisis
Source: The post India’s severe air pollution crisis has been created, based on the article “How can traffic which causes air pollution be controlled?” published in “The Hindu” on 16th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-environment-pollution Context: The article discusses India’s severe air pollution crisis, largely caused by road transport, especially heavy vehicles.… Continue reading India’s severe air pollution crisis
Environmental Controversy in the Great Nicobar Island
Source-This post on Environmental Controversy in the Great Nicobar Island has been created based on the article “How a wildlife sanctuary in the Great Nicobar Island was made to vanish” published in “The Indian Express” on 14 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context-The article highlights how the… Continue reading Environmental Controversy in the Great Nicobar Island
Climate Change Discourse and India’s Economic Survey
Source- This post on Climate Change Discourse and India’s Economic Survey has been created based on the article “Economic Survey criticism misses the forest for the trees” published in “LiveMint” on 13 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment Context– The article supports the Economic Survey’s balanced approach to… Continue reading Climate Change Discourse and India’s Economic Survey
Challenges faced by towns in the Indian Himalayan Range due to rapid urban growth
Source: The post challenges faced by towns in the Indian Himalayan Range due to rapid urban growth has been created, based on the article “Why Himalayan towns need a different kind of development” published in “The Hindu” on 9th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context:… Continue reading Challenges faced by towns in the Indian Himalayan Range due to rapid urban growth
The concept of “just transition” in a climate case
Source: The post the concept of “just transition” in a climate case has been created, based on the article “A moment for just transition litigation to take wing” published in “The Hindu” on 9th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-biodiversity-conservation Context: The article discusses how the Supreme Court of India could use the… Continue reading The concept of “just transition” in a climate case
Incorporating Sustainability in Competition Laws
Source: The post incorporating sustainability in competition laws has been created, based on the article “Balancing competition and sustainability for India” published in “The Hindu” on 5th August 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Economy and Environment Context: The article discusses how market regulations are adapting to include sustainability goals. It mentions different countries… Continue reading Incorporating Sustainability in Competition Laws
Impacts of Heat Wave on Ladakh
Source-This post on Impacts of Heat Wave on Ladakh has been created based on the article “Why is Ladakh, an arid cold desert, burning this summer? Lack of rain, say experts” published in “Down to Earth” on 3 August 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation Context– Ladakh, the cold desert in northern… Continue reading Impacts of Heat Wave on Ladakh
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.
