GS 3 - Notes on Basic Science, Environment

Below is the Syllabus-cum-notes that you need to understand and read before going through the questions whether it be for prelims or mains or even interview.

Read the Basics of Plants starting with roots, shoots, leaves here. Then understand the female and male parts of flowers and the process of Pollination and Fertilization. Also, how fruits are named and classified based on place of fertilization, or conversion of flower into fruit. Also, basics of which part of fruits we eat and the naming of that type of fruit. Then read about Seeds, Germination, Factors responsible for it. Plant Hormones are important topic.

Read about Plant Family and its types here. Then understand the Plant Kingdom and its different types. Especially Fungi, Algae, Lichen and Role of Bacteria. Two important types are Bryophyta and Pteridophyta. Also, understand the chart of population interaction.

 

Environment and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Mains Past Questions:

1. Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
2. Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.
3. What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining.
4. To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry?
5. Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.
6. Environmental impact assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before project is cleared by the government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at Pitheads.
7. Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.
8. What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?
9. The Namami Gange and National mission for clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?
10. Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?