People, Development and Environment
People, Development and Environment
People Development and Environment UGC NET: Comprehensive Guide for 2025
The People Development and Environment section is a vital component of the UGC NET Paper 1 syllabus, designed to assess candidates’ understanding of the intricate relationship between human development and the environment. This unit is essential for those aspiring to become Assistant Professors or secure Junior Research Fellowships in Indian universities and colleges, as it covers contemporary global and national issues impacting sustainability, resource management, and environmental policy.
Key Topics Covered
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Development and Environment: Explore the evolution from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on how development initiatives must balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, serve as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
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Human and Environment Interaction: Understand how anthropogenetic (human-induced) activities such as industrialization, urbanization, and deforestation impact natural ecosystems. This topic emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to minimize negative environmental consequences.
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Environmental Issues: Gain in-depth knowledge about local, regional, and global environmental challenges, including air, water, soil, and noise pollution, as well as the management of various types of waste (solid, liquid, biomedical, hazardous, and electronic). The unit also addresses the socio-economic and political dimensions of climate change and its far-reaching effects on human societies.
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Impacts of Pollutants on Human Health: Learn about the direct and indirect health effects of environmental pollutants, highlighting the importance of pollution control and preventive strategies
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Natural and Energy Resources: Study the types, uses, and conservation strategies for renewable and non-renewable resources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, nuclear, and forests. The syllabus underscores the need for judicious utilization of these resources to ensure long-term sustainability
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Natural Hazards and Disaster Mitigation: Analyze the causes and consequences of natural disasters, and explore effective mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize their impact on human life and the environment.
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Environmental Laws and International Agreements: Familiarize yourself with key environmental protection acts, the National Action Plan on Climate Change, and major international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, Rio Summit, Convention on Biodiversity, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and International Solar Alliance
Why This Section Matters
The People Development and Environment unit is not only crucial for the UGC NET exam but also for understanding the broader context of sustainable development in India and worldwide. With increasing population pressures and environmental degradation, it is essential to grasp how human actions influence the planet and what measures can be taken to foster a harmonious and sustainable coexistence.
Preparation Tips
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Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization.
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Stay updated with current environmental policies and global initiatives.
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Practice previous years’ questions to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
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Utilize reliable study materials and notes prepared by qualified educators and experts
Prepare effectively for the UGC NET Paper 1 by mastering the People Development and Environment unit, and contributing to building a sustainable future for all.
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