UPSC_CS MAINS 2014 Paper I

Points to Remember: Shrinking Himalayan glaciers are a direct consequence of climate change. This shrinking impacts water security, agriculture, and biodiversity in the Indian subcontinent. Mitigation and adaptation strategies are crucial to address this challenge. International cooperation is essential for effective glacier conservation. Introduction: The Himalayan glaciers, often referred to as the “Third Pole,” are … Read more

Points to Remember: Plate tectonics theory Convergent plate boundaries Formation of fold mountains Relationship between fold mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes Global distribution patterns Introduction: The world’s fold mountain systems are predominantly located along the margins of continents, a phenomenon directly linked to the theory of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics describes the Earth’s lithosphere as being … Read more

Points to Remember: Plate tectonics and volcanic activity Subduction zones Island arc formation Coral reef development Erosion and sedimentation Introduction: The Indonesian and Philippine archipelagos, boasting thousands of islands, are prime examples of complex geological processes at work. Their formation is primarily attributed to plate tectonics, specifically the subduction of oceanic plates beneath continental or … Read more

Keywords: Tropical cyclones, South China Sea, Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mexico, confinement. Required Approach: Factual and analytical. The question requires an explanation based on scientific understanding of tropical cyclone formation and geographical factors. Points to Remember: Sea surface temperature (SST) requirements for cyclone formation. Role of atmospheric instability and wind shear. Influence of Coriolis … Read more

Keywords: British planters, tea gardens, Shivaliks, Lesser Himalayas, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, success, limitations. Required Approach: Primarily factual and analytical, drawing inferences from historical evidence to explain the limited success of British tea cultivation beyond Darjeeling. Points to Remember: Geographical factors influencing tea cultivation. Socio-economic conditions and labor availability. British colonial policies and their impact. … Read more

Points to Remember: Shift from traditional locations: The iron and steel industry has undergone a significant spatial shift away from its traditional locations. Resource-based to market-oriented: The industry’s location is increasingly driven by market proximity rather than solely resource availability. Technological advancements: Technological changes have influenced the industry’s spatial distribution. Government policies: Government policies and … Read more

Points to Remember: Ocean resources are vast but require sustainable exploitation. Environmental impact assessment is crucial for any ocean resource harnessing. International cooperation is essential for equitable resource distribution and environmental protection. Technological advancements are key to efficient and environmentally friendly extraction. Introduction: The world faces a growing resource crisis, driven by population growth, industrialization, … Read more

Points to Remember: India’s strategic partnerships with African nations. India’s economic engagement with Africa (trade, investment, aid). Challenges and opportunities in India-Africa economic relations. The role of South-South cooperation. India’s focus on sustainable and equitable development in Africa. Introduction: India’s relationship with Africa is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional diplomatic ties to encompass … Read more

Points to Remember: El Niño’s impact on global climate Other factors influencing unusual climate events Limitations of attributing all unusual climate events solely to El Niño Introduction: El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a climate pattern that occurs in the tropical Pacific Ocean and has significant global impacts. Characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the … Read more

Points to Remember: Uneven distribution of resources and infrastructure. Land ownership patterns and tenancy systems. Lack of irrigation infrastructure and access to credit. Inadequate extension services and technological support. Policy failures and regional disparities in government investment. Introduction: The Green Revolution, a period of intensified agricultural production from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s, dramatically … Read more