The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims GS-1 paper includes a section on the environment, which is part of the General Studies (GS) paper. This section assesses candidates’ knowledge of environmental issues, conservation, and related topics. Here’s an overview of the UPSC CSE Prelims GS-1 Environment section:
- Nature of Questions: The environment section typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that test candidates’ understanding of environmental concepts, current environmental issues, and their ability to analyze and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
- Coverage: Questions in this section can cover a wide range of topics related to the environment, including but not limited to:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Climate change and global warming
- Environmental laws and regulations
- Pollution (air, water, soil)
- Wildlife conservation
- Environmental organizations and initiatives
- Environmental impact assessment
- Renewable energy sources
- Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
- Current Affairs: UPSC often includes questions related to recent environmental developments and global environmental agreements. Candidates are expected to stay updated with current affairs related to the environment.
- Environmental Acts and Policies: Knowledge of important environmental laws, policies, and initiatives at the national and international levels is essential.
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- Conservation Efforts: Questions may be asked about conservation efforts for endangered species, ecosystems, and natural resources.
- Environmental Movements: Familiarity with significant environmental movements and their leaders, both in India and globally, can be helpful.
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- Climate Change and Sustainable Development: An understanding of climate change, its impacts, and efforts toward sustainable development is crucial.
- Ecological Concepts: Basic ecological concepts such as food chains, ecosystems, and ecological balance might also be tested.
- Case Studies: Occasionally, the exam might include questions where candidates need to analyze specific case studies related to environmental issues.
- Environmental Reports: Reports published by environmental organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) or the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) can be a source of questions.
- Environmental Geography: Candidates should also be familiar with the geographical aspects of environmental issues, such as the distribution of wildlife and ecosystems, natural disasters, and their impact.
- Preparation: To prepare for this section, candidates should read textbooks on environmental science, follow current environmental news, and refer to reports and publications from relevant government departments and organizations.
Remember that the weightage of the environment section may vary from year to year, so candidates should allocate their study time accordingly and maintain a well-rounded approach to all GS paper subjects. Additionally, solving previous years’ question papers and taking mock tests can be highly beneficial in understanding the pattern and preparing effectively for the UPSC CSE Prelims GS-1 Environment section.