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
How India’s new government should scale up climate action
Source: The post how India’s new government should scale up climate action has been created, based on the article “The shape of a five-year climate agenda for India” published in “The Hindu” on 5th July 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- ecology, and environment Context: The article discusses how India’s new government should scale… Continue reading How India’s new government should scale up climate action
India’s persistent water crises and how climate change could harm its economy
Source: The post India’s persistent water crises and how climate change could harm its economy has been created, based on the article “Moody’s warning and why India must pay heed” published in “Indian express” on 27th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– environment-conservation Context: The article discusses India’s persistent water crises and how… Continue reading India’s persistent water crises and how climate change could harm its economy
Causes of drought in Maharashtra
Source: The post causes of drought in Maharashtra has been created, based on the article “Analysing Maharashtra’s water crisis” published in “The Hindu” on 26th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– Environment- Conservation Context: The article discusses the drought in Marathwada, Maharashtra. It explains how the rain-shadow effect and climate change worsen water… Continue reading Causes of drought in Maharashtra
How the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India
Source: The post how the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India has been created, based on the article “How the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India” published in “The Hindu” on 25th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- environment conservation Context: This article discusses the conflicts between conservation and resource extraction… Continue reading How the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India
Unsustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)
Source-This post on Unsustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has been created based on the article “The Court spells the way in Himalaya’s development” published in “The Hindu” on 25 June 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context– The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) serves as India’s primary… Continue reading Unsustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)
Environmental concerns in India
Source: The post environmental concerns in India has been created, based on the article “Create the space for governance with a green heart” published in “The Hindu” on 24th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Context: The article discusses India’s urgent need for genuine environmental policies. It criticizes the government’s… Continue reading Environmental concerns in India
Climate Change and Cooperative Federalism
Source-This post on Climate Change and Cooperative Federalism has been created based on the article “Cooperative federalism can plug India’s climate adaptation deficit” published in “Live Mint” on 24 June 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. GS Paper-2- Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges… Continue reading Climate Change and Cooperative Federalism
ITLOS advisory on marine pollution
Source: The post ITLOS advisory on marine pollution has been created, based on the article “A push for more climate action” published in “The Hindu” on 11th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment – Climate Change Context: The article discusses the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) advisory… Continue reading ITLOS advisory on marine pollution
The global plastics problem
Source: The post the global plastics problem has been created, based on the article “Remoulding the Global Plastics Treaty” published in “The Hindu” on 8th June 2024 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-ecology, and environment-pollution Context: The article discusses the need for a global treaty on plastic pollution to support informal waste workers. These workers, often… Continue reading The global plastics problem
Water Resources and Management in Delhi
Source-This post on Water Resources and Management in Delhi has been created based on the article “Heatwave, water shortage in the national capital: How does Delhi get its water?” published in “The Indian Express” on 7 June 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure devolution of Powers and Finances up… Continue reading Water Resources and Management in Delhi
Rising Heat Stress in Urban India
Source-This post on Rising Heat Stress in Urban India has been created based on the article “More concrete, more heat: Why our cities are hotter than ever” published in “The Indian Express” on 29 May 2024. UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation Context– Large parts of the country are experiencing a brutally hot… Continue reading Rising Heat Stress in Urban India
Impacts of stray cattle on agriculture and wildlife
Source: The post impacts of stray cattle on agriculture and wildlife has been created, based on the article “Where animals are dying by a thousand cuts” published in “The Hindu” on 28th May 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 -Environment- Men-Wildlife Conflict Context: The article discusses the impact of stray cattle on agriculture and… Continue reading Impacts of stray cattle on agriculture and wildlife
Climate Change and Electoral Politics in India
Source-This post on Climate Change and Electoral Politics in India has been created based on the article “Climate change, a passing cloud in Indian politics” published in “The Hindu” on 21 May 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context-The article highlights the lack of attention given to climate change… Continue reading Climate Change and Electoral Politics in India
India addressing carbon emissions
Source: The post India addressing carbon emissions has been created, based on the article “Hurdles on the path to green growth — and how to remove them” published in “Indian express” on 18th May 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Environment – Climate change Context: The article discusses the impact of climate change, particularly a… Continue reading India addressing carbon emissions
Global Plastics Treaty
Source-This post on Global Plastics Treaty has been created based on the article “Plastic pollution cannot stop by treaties, without investment in alternatives” published in “The Hindu” on 8 May 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context– There is another round of negotiations scheduled in Busan, South Korea this… Continue reading Global Plastics Treaty
Climate Change and its Impact on Labor Productivity
Source-This post on Climate Change and its Impact on Labor Productivity has been created based on the article “Analysing labour on a warming planet” published in “The Hindu” on 1 May 2024. UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context– The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) has recently released a report, ‘Ensuring… Continue reading Climate Change and its Impact on Labor Productivity
Need of stricter Animal Protection Law
Source-This post on need of stricter animal protection Bill has been created based on the article “An animal protection Bill that must be moved in June” published in “The Hindu” on 1 May 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation News– The killing of a dog named Jai in Mumbai caused outrage in… Continue reading Need of stricter Animal Protection Law
A Global Plastics Treaty
Source-This post on “Urgent Call: A Global Plastics Treaty” has been created based on the article “The planet’s plastic problem: why we need a global plastics treaty” published in “The Indian express” on 29 April 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper 3 – Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. News– Recently negotiators and observers from… Continue reading A Global Plastics Treaty
Green credits-Significance & Challenges
Source-This post on Green credits-Significance & Challenges has been created based on the article “Can green credits benefit India’s forests?” published in “The Hindu” on 26 April 2024. UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context-The article presents a critical analysis of Green Credit Programme.This is a is a market-based initiative… Continue reading Green credits-Significance & Challenges
What challenges does the NCAP face: On the National Clean Air Programme
Source: The post “What challenges does the NCAP face?” has been created, based on the article “On the National Clean Air Programme” published in “The Hindu” on 25th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Environment-environmental pollution News: The article discusses India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce air pollution by setting… Continue reading What challenges does the NCAP face: On the National Clean Air Programme
Implication of SC ruling on right against climate change
Source: This post significance of SC ruling on right against climate change is based on the article ‘How Supreme Court’s verdict on climate change can push climate litigation in India’, published in Indian Express, on 22nd April 2024. UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Environment – Climate change Context: Supreme Court (SC) recently recognized the… Continue reading Implication of SC ruling on right against climate change
Impact of large-scale solar parks in India: The challenges of renewable energy
Source: The post impact of large-scale solar parks in India has been created, based on the article “The challenges of renewable energy” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- environment-climate change and economy- infrastructure (renewable energy) News: The article discusses the impact of large solar parks in India… Continue reading Impact of large-scale solar parks in India: The challenges of renewable energy
Issues associated with the establishment of new wildlife sanctuaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Source: The post issues associated with the establishment of new wildlife sanctuaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been created, based on the article “Empower the guardians of the earth, do not rob them” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental… Continue reading Issues associated with the establishment of new wildlife sanctuaries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Reasons for heavy rains in the UAE: What’s behind heavy rainfall in Dubai
Source: The post reasons for heavy rains in the UAE has been created, based on the article “What’s behind heavy rainfall in Dubai” published in “Indian express” on 18th April 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- environment-environmental pollution and degradation, And Disaster and disaster management. News: The article describes a record-breaking rainstorm in the… Continue reading Reasons for heavy rains in the UAE: What’s behind heavy rainfall in Dubai
Just Transition Framework-A path to ecological justice
Source-This post on Just Transition Framework-A path to ecological justice has been created based on the article “The Great Indian Bustard and climate action verdict” published in “The Hindu” on 17 April 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context- The recent Supreme Court judgment acknowledges a fundamental right to… Continue reading Just Transition Framework-A path to ecological justice
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.
