UPSC PRELIMS 2025 · ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Complete Noteswith Latest Trends
COP29 · Kunming-Montreal · BBNJ · PYQ Analysis · 30 High-Priority Topics · All Conventions Covered
9 Modules
30 High-Priority Topics
26–30 Qs in Prelims
COP29 Coverage
2025 Updated
scroll to begin
UPSC Trend Analysis (2019–2025)
Environment is now the highest-scoring section in Prelims
2019
18–20 QuestionsBiodiversity, Climate Conventions
2020
20–22 QuestionsEcosystems, Species, Pollution
2021
22–25 QuestionsCarbon markets, Ramsar, CITES
2022
24–26 QuestionsCOP26 outcomes, Invasive species
2023
25–28 QuestionsBiodiversity COP15, Green Hydrogen
2024–25
26–30 QuestionsCarbon credits, Blue Economy, Nature-based solutions
TREND ALERTEnvironment has become the highest-scoring section in Prelims. UPSC now asks application + convention-linked questions, not mere definitions. Focus on "why" and "so what?" not just facts.
Module 1 — Climate Change & International Conventions
UNFCCC · Paris Agreement · COP28 · COP29 Baku · NDCs · Loss & Damage
A. UNFCCC Framework — The Complete Timeline
1992
UNFCCC — Rio Earth SummitFramework Convention on Climate Change · Foundation of all climate law
1997
Kyoto ProtocolLegally binding on Annex-I (developed) countries · Common but Differentiated Responsibilities
2009
Copenhagen AccordVoluntary pledges · Failed to produce legally binding agreement
2015
Paris Agreement — COP21NDCs · Well below 2°C target · 1.5°C aspiration · Universal participation
2021
Glasgow Climate Pact — COP26Coal "phase-down" · Methane pledge · $100 bn finance reaffirmed
2022
Sharm el-Sheikh — COP27Loss & Damage Fund ESTABLISHED · Major win for developing nations
2023
Dubai — COP28First Global Stocktake · "Transitioning away" from fossil fuels · Health declaration
2024
Baku, Azerbaijan — COP29 ★ MOST IMPORTANTNCQG: $300 billion/year by 2035 · Article 6 fully operationalized · New NDCs due
ЁЯОп COP29 Baku (2024) — Highest Priority for UPSC 2025
| Decision | Key Details |
|---|---|
| NCQG | New Collective Quantified Goal — $300 billion/year by 2035 for developing nations. Replaces old $100 bn/yr goal. |
| Article 6.4 Operationalized | Global carbon market under UN supervision — FULLY operationalized at COP29. Replaces CDM from Kyoto era. |
| NDC Updates | Countries required to submit enhanced NDCs by early 2025 with more ambitious targets. |
| Adaptation Fund | Replenished with new pledges from developed nations for climate adaptation in vulnerable countries. |
UPSC TRAPNCQG replaced the old $100 billion/year goal. Know the new figure ($300 bn/yr by 2035) and the year (COP29, 2024). This WILL appear in Prelims 2025.
B. COP28 Dubai (2023) — Key Decisions
| Decision | Key Details | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Global Stocktake | First-ever GST — assessed collective progress since Paris Agreement (2015–2023) | Very High |
| Fossil Fuel Transition | "Transitioning away" from fossil fuels — NOT "phase out" (exact wording matters for MCQs!) | Very High |
| Renewable Energy | Triple renewables AND double energy efficiency by 2030 globally | High |
| Health & Climate | First-ever Health Declaration at any COP meeting | High |
| Loss & Damage Fund | Operationalized (established at COP27, made functional at COP28) | Very High |
| Food Systems | UAE Declaration on Agriculture & Food Systems — first food-focused COP declaration | Medium |
C. Key Climate Terms — Quick Reference
NDC
Nationally Determined Contributions — each country's self-set climate pledge under Paris Agreement.
Net Zero
Carbon emissions = Carbon removals. India's target: Net Zero by 2070.
Carbon Neutrality
Same as Net Zero but typically used at organizational/company level.
Loss & Damage
Compensation mechanism for irreversible climate impacts suffered by developing/vulnerable nations.
Just Transition
Moving away from fossil fuels while protecting workers & communities dependent on fossil fuel industries.
Carbon Budget
Maximum cumulative CO₂ humanity can emit while staying within 1.5°C warming limit.
ITMO
Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes — carbon units traded between countries under Article 6.2.
Global Warming Potential
CO₂-equivalent measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps relative to CO₂ over 100 years.
D. India's Climate Commitments (Updated NDC 2022)
- Net Zero by 2070
- 50% electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030
- Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels)
- Create carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes through forests & tree cover
STATIC LINKArticle 253 (Parliament's power to make laws on international treaties) · Schedule VII List I Entry 13
Module 2 — Biodiversity & Conservation
CBD · Kunming-Montreal GBF · CITES · IUCN · Ramsar · Project Tiger
A. CBD Framework — Complete Chain
| Protocol/Agreement | Year | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| CBD (Convention) | 1992, Rio | Conservation of biological diversity globally |
| Cartagena Protocol | 2000 | Biosafety — regulates trade in Living Modified Organisms (GMOs) |
| Nagoya Protocol | 2010 | Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) from genetic resources |
| Kunming-Montreal GBF | 2022, COP15 | 30x30 target, $200 bn finance, invasive species, DSI |
| CBD COP16 | 2024, Cali, Colombia | DSI benefit-sharing mechanism agreed — key breakthrough |
ЁЯОп Kunming-Montreal GBF — 30x30 Targets (MOST TESTED)
| Target | Details | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| 30×30 Protection | Protect 30% of land AND 30% of oceans by 2030 | ★★★ Top |
| 30×30 Restoration | Restore 30% of degraded terrestrial & aquatic ecosystems by 2030 | ★★★ Top |
| Biodiversity Finance | $200 billion/year for biodiversity by 2030 from all sources | ★★ High |
| Harmful Subsidies | Redirect/eliminate $500 billion of environmentally harmful subsidies | ★★ High |
| DSI (Digital Sequence Info) | Benefit-sharing mechanism for genetic resource data — CBD COP16 agreed framework | ★★ High |
| Invasive Species | Reduce rate of introduction of invasive alien species by 50% | ★ Medium |
PYQ PATTERN"Which of the following is/are targets under Kunming-Montreal GBF?" — Know exact numbers: 30%, $200 bn, $500 bn. UPSC tests these in statement-based format.
B. CITES — Three Appendices
| Appendix | Meaning | Example Species |
|---|---|---|
| Appendix I | Strictly prohibited commercial trade — highest protection | Tiger, Snow Leopard, Indian Elephant, Blue Whale |
| Appendix II | Regulated trade — permit required from exporting country | Hippopotamus, Sharks & Rays, Mahogany, Sea Horses |
| Appendix III | Country-specific protection requested by a member state | Walrus (Canada), Two-toed Sloth |
- CITES COP19 (2022): Sharks & Rays moved to Appendix II — major win for ocean conservation
- Glass frogs added for protection · African Elephant debate ongoing between range states
C. IUCN Red List — Category Ladder
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals anywhere
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
CR
Critically Endangered ★ MOST TESTED
Extremely high risk — GIB, Gharial, Indian Vultures
EN
Endangered
High risk — Gangetic Dolphin, Red Panda
VU
Vulnerable
High medium-term risk — Cheetah, Snow Leopard
NT
Near Threatened
Close to qualifying as threatened
LC
Least Concern
Not at significant risk
DD
Data Deficient
Insufficient data for assessment
Species in News — IUCN Status
| Species | IUCN Status | News Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cheetah | Vulnerable | Kuno National Park reintroduction (2022) — from Namibia & South Africa |
| Snow Leopard | Vulnerable | Population increase in Himalayan states |
| Great Indian Bustard | Critically Endangered | Deaths due to powerlines in Rajasthan — SC ordered underground cables |
| Gangetic Dolphin | Endangered | India's National Aquatic Animal — Project Dolphin (2020) |
| Gharial | Critically Endangered | Chambal River conservation — India + Nepal programme |
| Red Panda | Endangered | Sikkim & NE India habitat loss |
| Indian Vultures | Critically Endangered | Diclofenac poisoning — 99% population lost in 20 years |
| Lion-tailed Macaque | Endangered | Endemic to Western Ghats — flagship species |
D. Ramsar Sites — India's Wetlands
- India has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia — 85+ sites (2025)
- Largest: Sundarbans (West Bengal) | Smallest: Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)
- Ramsar Convention signed: 1971 in Ramsar, Iran
UPSC TRAPRamsar Convention classifies WETLANDS — not just lakes. Includes mangroves, coral reefs, rice paddies, floodplains and rivers.
| Recently Added Ramsar Site | State |
|---|---|
| Karikili Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| Pallikaranai Marsh | Tamil Nadu |
| Pichavaram Mangrove | Tamil Nadu |
| Nanda Lake | Goa |
| Satkosia Gorge | Odisha |
| Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh |
| Haiderpur Wetland | Uttar Pradesh |
| Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary | Gujarat |
E. Project-wise Conservation — India
| Project | Year | Target Species | Nodal Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Tiger | 1973 | Tiger | NTCA |
| Project Elephant | 1992 | Elephant | MoEFCC |
| Project Snow Leopard | 2009 | Snow Leopard | WII |
| Project Dolphin | 2020 | Gangetic + Marine Dolphins | MoEFCC |
| Cheetah Reintroduction | 2022 | Cheetah (Namibia/South Africa) | MoEFCC |
| Project Lion | Ongoing | Asiatic Lion | Gujarat Forest Dept. |
TIGER CENSUS 2022India has 3,167 tigers — 75% of the world's wild tigers. Highest: Madhya Pradesh. Total Tiger Reserves: 53. India has highest tiger count in the world.
Module 3 — Ecosystems & Ecology
Forest types · Marine ecosystems · Ecological concepts · FSI 2023
A. Forest Classification — Champion & Seth System
| Forest Type | Location in India | Key Species |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Wet Evergreen | NE India, Western Ghats, Andamans | Ebony, Rosewood, Bamboo |
| Tropical Moist Deciduous | Most common type in India | Teak, Sal, Shisham |
| Tropical Dry Deciduous | Deccan, UP, Rajasthan fringe | Teak, Sandalwood, Tendu |
| Sub-tropical Pine | HP, Uttarakhand foothills | Chir Pine, Rhododendron |
| Mangroves | Sundarbans, Odisha, Tamil Nadu | Rhizophora, Avicennia |
| Alpine | High Himalayan belt | Silver Fir, Junipers, Birch |
FSI FOREST COVER REPORT 2023Total forest cover: 21.71% · With tree cover: 25.17% · National Forest Policy target: 33% · Highest area: Madhya Pradesh · Highest %: Lakshadweep (91.33%)
B. Marine Ecosystems — High Trend Area
- Coral Reefs in India: Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay
- Coral bleaching caused by: Rise in sea surface temperature, ocean acidification, pollution
- El Ni├▒o triggers mass coral bleaching — Great Barrier Reef (Australia) had 5th consecutive bleaching in 2024
- Mangroves (Blue Carbon): India has 4,992 sq km · Largest: Sundarbans (WB) · Absorb carbon at 3–5× rate of tropical forests
- Mangroves protected under CRZ Notification 2019 + Forest Conservation Act
C. Ecological Concepts — Direct MCQ Material
Ecological Succession
Sequential change in community structure over time.
Example: Bare rock → Lichen → Moss → Shrubs → Forest
Primary Succession
Begins on lifeless substrate with no soil or life.
Example: Lava field, sand dunes, newly exposed rock
Secondary Succession
Begins on disturbed but not lifeless substrate.
Example: Abandoned farmland, burned forest
Keystone Species
Species with disproportionately large ecosystem impact relative to its abundance.
Example: Sea Otter, Tiger, Sea Star
Umbrella Species
Conservation of this species automatically protects many others sharing its habitat.
Example: Tiger, Elephant
Flagship Species
Charismatic species chosen as symbol for a conservation cause.
Example: Giant Panda, Royal Bengal Tiger
Indicator Species
Reflects the health status of an ecosystem — first to respond to environmental change.
Example: Lichens (air quality), Amphibians (water quality)
Invasive Species
Non-native species introduced into new habitat causing ecological harm.
Example: Lantana camara, Water Hyacinth, Tilapia fish
Endemic Species
Found ONLY in one specific geographic area — nowhere else on Earth.
Example: Lion-tailed Macaque (Western Ghats), Purple Frog (WG)
Climax Community
Stable, final stage of ecological succession — self-sustaining without further change.
Example: Old-growth tropical forest
Module 4 — Pollution & Waste Management
Air · Plastic · Ozone Layer · Kigali Amendment · NCAP
A. Air Pollutants — Key Reference Table
| Pollutant | Primary Source | Health Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | Vehicles, industry, biomass burning | Deep lung penetration, cardiovascular disease, cancer risk |
| PM 10 | Dust, construction, roads | Respiratory tract irritation |
| NO₂ | Vehicles, power plants, industry | Smog formation, respiratory tract damage |
| SO₂ | Coal burning, metal smelting | Acid rain, lung and eye irritation |
| Ground Ozone | NOx + VOCs + sunlight (photochemical) | Lung damage, crop losses, material degradation |
| CO | Incomplete fuel combustion | Binds hemoglobin, reduces oxygen transport to tissues |
| Lead (Pb) | Old paint, legacy leaded fuel | Neurological damage, especially severe in children |
- AQI: Air Quality Index — 0 to 500 scale with 6 categories (Good → Severe)
- NCAP: National Clean Air Programme — 40% PM reduction target by 2026
- SAFAR: System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (India)
B. Plastic Pollution — Very High Trend 2025
| Framework | Key Details |
|---|---|
| UN Plastics Treaty | INC-5 held in Busan, South Korea (2024) — negotiations NOT finalized yet. Legally binding treaty expected. |
| India SU Plastic Ban | India banned 19 categories of single-use plastics from July 2022 |
| EPR | Extended Producer Responsibility — producers responsible for end-of-life plastic packaging |
| Microplastics | Found in human blood, placenta, brain tissue, Arctic snow, ocean floor — global health emergency |
| Plastic Rules 2022 | Minimum carry bag thickness increased to 75 microns (from 50 microns) |
C. Ozone Layer — Montreal Protocol & Kigali Amendment
| Agreement | Year | Target | Key Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Protocol | 1987 | Phase out CFCs & HCFCs | Only UN treaty with universal ratification (198 parties) |
| Kigali Amendment | 2016 | Phase out HFCs | Under Montreal Protocol, NOT UNFCCC. Addresses both ozone + climate. |
| Ozone Layer Recovery | Expected 2066 | Antarctica ozone hole | UNEP 2023 confirmed recovery on track if commitments maintained |
CRITICAL UPSC TRAPKigali Amendment is under MONTREAL PROTOCOL, NOT UNFCCC. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases. This amendment addresses both ozone depletion AND climate change simultaneously.
Module 5 — Water & Ocean Conservation
Ramsar · UNCLOS · High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) · Ocean Zones
High Seas Treaty — BBNJ Agreement (2023) ★ KEY FOR 2025
- Full name: Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction
- Covers: 64% of oceans that lie beyond any country's national waters (High Seas)
- Key provisions: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Environmental Impact Assessments, Benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources
- First global treaty to protect open ocean biodiversity — historic milestone in 2023
- Adopted: June 2023 · Ratification process underway
Ocean Zones — UNCLOS (1982)
| Zone | Distance from Baseline | Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Territorial Sea | 0–12 nautical miles | Full sovereignty — like land territory |
| Contiguous Zone | 12–24 nautical miles | Customs, immigration, pollution control |
| EEZ | 0–200 nautical miles | Exclusive resource exploitation rights (fish, oil, gas) |
| Continental Shelf | Up to 350 nautical miles | Seabed & subsoil resource rights |
| High Seas | Beyond 200 nautical miles | Freedom of navigation — now covered by BBNJ Treaty |
Module 6 — Energy & Green Economy
Renewable Energy · Green Hydrogen · Carbon Markets · Article 6 · ISA
A. India's Renewable Energy Targets
| Target / Scheme | Details |
|---|---|
| 500 GW Renewable by 2030 | Solar + Wind major contributors · Core part of India's updated NDC 2022 |
| Green Hydrogen Mission | Budget: ₹19,744 crore · Target: 5 MMT production by 2030 · Launched 2023 |
| PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana | Free solar electricity for household rooftops — launched 2024 · 1 crore homes target |
| PM-Kusum Scheme | Solar pumps for farmers — reduces diesel dependence in agriculture |
| One Sun One World One Grid | India's global solar power grid interconnection initiative |
| International Solar Alliance (ISA) | HQ: Gurugram, India · Founded by India & France at COP21 (2015) · 120+ member countries |
B. Carbon Markets — Article 6 of Paris Agreement
| Article | Mechanism | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Article 6.2 | Bilateral carbon trading (ITMOs) | Countries directly trade mitigation outcomes — country-to-country |
| Article 6.4 | UN-supervised carbon market | Replaces CDM (Kyoto) · Fully operationalized at COP29 Baku (2024) |
| Article 6.8 | Non-market approaches | Capacity building & tech transfer — no financial trading involved |
COP29 KEY OUTCOMEArticle 6.4 rules were FULLY operationalized at COP29 Baku (2024) — this is very likely to appear as a UPSC Prelims 2025 question. Know what Article 6.4 replaces (CDM) and what it creates (new UN carbon market).
Module 7 — Environment Reports & Indices
Must-know reports with publishers, frequency and India highlights
| Report | Published By | Frequency | India Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| State of World's Forests | FAO | 2 years | Global forest cover trends — deforestation rates |
| Living Planet Report | WWF | 2 years | 69% decline in wildlife populations since 1970 |
| Global Climate Risk Index | Germanwatch | Annual | India consistently in top 10 most climate-vulnerable |
| Environmental Performance Index | Yale University | 2 years | India ranks very low (near bottom) globally |
| World Air Quality Report | IQAir | Annual | Delhi among most polluted capitals; many Indian cities in top 50 |
| Global Hunger Index | Concern/Welthungerhilfe | Annual | India's food security & nutrition ranking |
| IPCC Assessment Report (AR6) | IPCC (UN) | 5–7 years | 1.5°C likely breached by early 2030s — extremely likely |
| Emissions Gap Report | UNEP | Annual | Measures gap between NDC pledges and 1.5°C pathway |
| Adaptation Gap Report | UNEP | Annual | Measures shortfall in climate adaptation finance globally |
| State of India's Birds | Multiple agencies | Periodic | Long-distance migratory birds declining fastest in India |
| IPBES Global Assessment | IPBES | Periodic | 1 million species threatened with extinction globally |
UPSC EXAM PATTERN FOR REPORTSUPSC tests the PUBLISHER of reports, not just India's rank. Know: "Which organization publishes the Living Planet Report?" → WWF. "Which report is published by Germanwatch?" → Global Climate Risk Index.
Module 8 — Indian Legislation & Key Bodies
WPA 2022 · FCA 2023 · Environment Protection Act · Key Amendments
A. Key Environment Laws
| Act | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Protection Act | 1972 (amended 2022) | Schedules I–IV (reduced from 6), NTCA, CZA, CITES implementation in India |
| Forest Conservation Act | 1980 (amended 2023) | Prior approval required for diversion of any forest land |
| Environment Protection Act | 1986 | Umbrella legislation — covers all aspects of environmental protection |
| Air (Prevention & Control) Act | 1981 | CPCB, SPCBs, National Ambient Air Quality Standards |
| Water (Prevention & Control) Act | 1974 | Water pollution control boards, effluent standards |
| Biological Diversity Act | 2002 (amended 2023) | NBA, State Biodiversity Boards, Biodiversity Management Committees |
| CRZ Notification | 2019 | CRZ I, II, III, IV zones — regulates coastal development |
B. WPA 2022 Amendment — Key Changes
- Schedules reduced from 6 to 4 — simplified species protection listing
- CITES implementation strengthened in Indian domestic law
- New provisions for regulation of invasive species in India
- Surrender of illegally held captive animals mechanism added
C. Forest Conservation Amendment 2023 — Important Controversy
- Exempts certain infrastructure near international borders from prior Forest Conservation Act approval
- Allows eco-tourism activities in forest areas without prior approval
- Criticism: Seen as significant dilution of forest protection by environmental groups
- Key issue: Definition of "forest" narrowed — may exclude many areas previously protected
D. Key Environment Bodies
| Body | Full Form | Function |
|---|---|---|
| CPCB | Central Pollution Control Board | Sets national pollution standards, monitors environmental compliance |
| NTCA | National Tiger Conservation Authority | Manages India's 53 Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger |
| WII | Wildlife Institute of India | Wildlife research & professional training (headquartered in Dehradun) |
| BSI | Botanical Survey of India | Documentation & research of India's plant diversity |
| ZSI | Zoological Survey of India | Documentation & research of India's animal diversity |
| NBA | National Biodiversity Authority | Implements Biological Diversity Act, regulates Access & Benefit Sharing |
| CAMPA | Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority | Manages funds collected for forest land diversion |
Module 9 — UPSC Question Pattern Analysis
How UPSC frames environment questions · Strategies for each type
EXAMPLE PATTERN"Consider the following statements about Paris Agreement: 1. It is legally binding on all parties. 2. It replaced the Kyoto Protocol. 3. It aims to limit warming to well below 2°C. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?"
Strategy: Know EXACT wording of conventions, not just concepts. Statement 1 is debatable (pledges are NDC-based, enforcement is soft). Statement 3 is correct. This is where exact wording catches students.
Strategy: Know EXACT wording of conventions, not just concepts. Statement 1 is debatable (pledges are NDC-based, enforcement is soft). Statement 3 is correct. This is where exact wording catches students.
EXAMPLE PATTERN"Match List I (Convention) with List II (Year of Adoption): A. UNFCCC, B. Cartagena Protocol, C. Nagoya Protocol, D. Kigali Amendment"
Strategy: Make your own match tables for all conventions: Name → Year → Location → Key Provision. Use the tables in these notes for practice. Kigali (2016) is frequently matched with Montreal Protocol (not UNFCCC) — common trap.
Strategy: Make your own match tables for all conventions: Name → Year → Location → Key Provision. Use the tables in these notes for practice. Kigali (2016) is frequently matched with Montreal Protocol (not UNFCCC) — common trap.
EXAMPLE PATTERN"Which of the following contributes to coral bleaching? 1. Rise in sea water temperature. 2. Decrease in salinity. 3. Ocean acidification. 4. Increase in UV radiation."
Strategy: Understand mechanisms, not just facts. Coral bleaching = loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). Triggered by: temperature rise, acidification, heavy sedimentation, UV. Know cause → effect chains.
Strategy: Understand mechanisms, not just facts. Coral bleaching = loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). Triggered by: temperature rise, acidification, heavy sedimentation, UV. Know cause → effect chains.
EXAMPLE PATTERN"Which of the following is NOT a Ramsar Site in India?" OR "Which of the following species is listed under CITES Appendix I?"
Strategy: Know at least 15 Ramsar sites by state. Know which species are in which CITES Appendix. Know which conventions cover which issues. Classification accuracy is key.
Strategy: Know at least 15 Ramsar sites by state. Know which species are in which CITES Appendix. Know which conventions cover which issues. Classification accuracy is key.
Top 30 High-Priority Topics — UPSC 2025
Rapid revision list · Most likely to appear in Prelims 2025
1
COP29 Baku — NCQG ($300 bn/yr by 2035) & Article 6 operationalization
Module 1
2
Kunming-Montreal GBF 30x30 target — exact numbers (30%, $200 bn, $500 bn)
Module 2
3
High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) — 64% ocean coverage, Marine Protected Areas
Module 5
4
India's Net Zero 2070 commitment + updated NDC targets (45%, 50%, 2.5-3 bn tonnes)
Module 1
5
Ramsar sites recently added in India — state-wise mapping
Module 2
6
WPA 2022 amendment — Schedule reduction from 6 to 4
Module 8
7
Green Hydrogen Mission — ₹19,744 crore budget, 5 MMT target by 2030
Module 6
8
Carbon market mechanisms — Article 6.2 vs 6.4 vs 6.8 differences
Module 6
9
Coral bleaching mechanism — zooxanthellae, El Ni├▒o connection
Module 3
10
Microplastics — locations found: human blood, placenta, brain, Arctic
Module 4
11
UN Plastics Treaty — INC-5 Busan (2024), not finalized yet
Module 4
12
International Solar Alliance — founding (India+France, COP21), HQ Gurugram
Module 6
13
IPCC AR6 key finding — 1.5°C likely to be breached by early 2030s
Module 7
14
Species in news + IUCN Red List status — GIB, Gharial, Snow Leopard
Module 2
15
Kigali Amendment — HFCs, under Montreal Protocol (NOT UNFCCC)
Module 4
16
India's forest cover FSI 2023 — 21.71% forest, 25.17% with tree cover
Module 3
17
Tiger Census 2022 — 3,167 tigers, highest in MP, 53 Tiger Reserves
Module 2
18
Cheetah reintroduction — Kuno National Park, Namibia + South Africa source
Module 2
19
Great Indian Bustard — CR, powerline deaths, SC ordered underground cables
Module 2
20
Biological Diversity Amendment 2023 — key changes to NBA & benefit sharing
Module 8
21
Forest Conservation Amendment 2023 — provisions & criticism (border exemptions)
Module 8
22
CITES COP19 (2022) — Sharks & Rays moved to Appendix II
Module 2
23
CBD COP16 Cali, Colombia (2024) — DSI benefit-sharing mechanism agreed
Module 2
24
One Sun One World One Grid + ISA targets and member countries
Module 6
25
NCAP targets — National Clean Air Programme: 40% PM reduction by 2026
Module 4
26
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024) — 1 crore homes, rooftop solar
Module 6
27
Blue Carbon — mangroves & seagrasses absorb CO₂ at 3-5× tropical forest rate
Module 3
28
IPBES Global Assessment — 1 million species threatened with extinction globally
Module 7
29
Loss & Damage Fund — COP27 established, COP28 operationalized, COP29 pledges
Module 1
30
India's EEZ under UNCLOS — 200 nautical miles, resource exploitation rights
Module 5
Tutor's Golden Tips
10 strategies that will maximise your Environment score in Prelims
01
NEVER skip the "why" — UPSC loves cause-effect questions more than plain definitions.
02
Link every convention to its YEAR and LOCATION — this is the most common exam trap.
03
India-specific data is gold — ranks, census numbers and targets are heavily tested every year.
04
Newspaper = 30 min max. Focus on PIB + The Hindu Environment page for exam-relevant news.
05
Revise these notes at least 3 times before exam — recognition beats memorization.
06
Map-based questions are increasing — mark every place/site/reserve in news on a physical map.
07
For every species in news — always check IUCN status, range state, and which conservation project covers it.
08
Know EXACT wording of treaties — "phase out" vs "transition away" can change the correct answer entirely.
09
Link current news to NCERT static chapters — most questions come from this current-static overlap.
10
Practice statement-based MCQs daily — they form 40% of all Environment questions in Prelims.
RECOMMENDED SOURCESThe Hindu (Environment Page) · PIB · Yojana Magazine · UNEP Reports · MoEFCC Website · Down To Earth Magazine · Economic Survey (Environment Chapter) · WII Publications