UPSC_CS MAINS 2013 Paper III

How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System?

Points to Remember: Vulnerability: Susceptibility to harm from a hazard. Risk: Probability of harm occurring. Pre-disaster management: Actions taken before a disaster to minimize its impact. Disaster Management System (DMS): A comprehensive framework for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Introduction: Vulnerability and risk assessment are paramount for effective pre-disaster management. They form the bedrock upon … Read more

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 of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?

Points to Remember: National Water Policy of India’s key principles: conservation, equitable distribution, participatory management. Ganga River pollution: sources, impacts, and control strategies (e.g., Namami Gange). Hazardous waste management in India: legal framework (Environment Protection Act, 1986; rules and regulations), challenges, and improvements needed. Introduction: India’s National Water Policy (NWP), first formulated in 1987 and … Read more

What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forestâs concept of GO AND NO-GO zones for coal mining sector.

Points to Remember: Environmental degradation Social disruption Economic losses Health hazards Legal ramifications GO and No-Go zones for regulated mining Introduction: Illegal mining, the extraction of minerals without the necessary permits or licenses, poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability, social stability, and economic development. It undermines legitimate mining operations, deprives governments of revenue, and … Read more

How far are Indiaâs internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?

Points to Remember: India’s geographical location and long, porous borders. Transnational crime and terrorism. Internal security challenges (insurgency, extremism, communal violence). Border management strategies and their effectiveness. Role of technology and intelligence sharing. Cooperation with neighboring countries. Introduction: India faces significant internal security challenges, intricately linked to its extensive and often porous borders with neighboring … Read more

What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present?

Points to Remember: Definition and types of social networking sites (SNS). Security risks associated with SNS usage (data breaches, privacy violations, cyberbullying, etc.). Mitigation strategies and best practices for safe SNS usage. Legal and ethical considerations. Introduction: Social networking sites (SNS) are online platforms that allow individuals to build and maintain social connections. These platforms, … Read more

Cyber warfare is considered by some defence analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the countryâs preparedness to deal with the same.

Points to Remember: Definition of Cyber Warfare Types of Cyber Threats facing India India’s vulnerabilities in cyberspace Current state of India’s cybersecurity preparedness Recommendations for improvement Introduction: Cyber warfare, a relatively new domain of conflict, involves the use of computer networks and digital technologies to attack an adversary’s critical infrastructure, disrupt its operations, steal sensitive … Read more

Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a countryâs economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace?

Points to Remember: Definition and scope of money laundering. Significance of money laundering for India’s economic sovereignty. Methods used for money laundering in India. Existing legal framework and its effectiveness. Steps required to control money laundering in India. Role of international cooperation. Introduction: Money laundering, the process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, … Read more

Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of schedules area and tribal areas.Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left-Wing extremism.

Points to Remember: Article 244: Deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas. Fifth Schedule: Outlines the mechanism for governing Scheduled Areas. Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): A complex socio-political issue fueled by various factors. Impact of Non-Implementation: Focus on the causal link between inadequate implementation of the Fifth Schedule and the rise of LWE. … Read more

Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartisâ patent application for âGlivecâ. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.

Points to Remember: Amendments to Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act, 1970 in 2005. Circumstances leading to the amendment. Supreme Court’s judgment in Novartis’ Glivec patent application. Pros and cons of the Supreme Court’s decision. Introduction: The Indian Patents Act, 1970, underwent a significant amendment in 2005, primarily affecting Section 3(d), which deals with … Read more

How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology.

Points to Remember: Mechanism of 3D Printing: Additive manufacturing process, layer-by-layer deposition. Advantages: Rapid prototyping, customization, reduced material waste, decentralized manufacturing. Disadvantages: High initial investment, limited material choices, slower production for mass markets, skill requirement. Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file. … Read more