UPSC_CS MAINS 2016 Paper I

Keywords: Micro-watershed development, water conservation, drought-prone regions, semi-arid regions, India. Required Approach: Factual and Analytical Points to Remember: Improved water harvesting and storage. Enhanced groundwater recharge. Reduced soil erosion and runoff. Improved agricultural productivity. Increased community participation and ownership. Introduction: India’s drought-prone and semi-arid regions, encompassing vast stretches of land, face chronic water scarcity. These … Read more

Points to Remember: Strategic location impacting global trade routes. Abundance of natural resources (oil, gas, fisheries). Overlapping territorial claims leading to disputes. Rise of China and its assertive policies. Involvement of other regional and global powers. International law and the UNCLOS. Potential for conflict and its implications. Importance of diplomatic solutions and regional cooperation. Introduction: … Read more

Points to Remember: Increasing urbanization and encroachment on floodplains. Inadequate drainage infrastructure and its maintenance. Climate change leading to more intense rainfall events. Lack of integrated urban planning and disaster preparedness. Socio-economic vulnerability of urban populations. Introduction: Major Indian cities are facing an escalating threat of floods. Rapid urbanization, unplanned development, and the impacts of … Read more

Points to Remember: Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): A landmark agreement between India and Pakistan, signed in 1960, allocating the waters of the six rivers of the Indus basin. Ecological Implications: Impact on river ecosystems, water availability, and biodiversity. Economic Implications: Effects on agriculture, hydropower generation, and overall economic development in both countries. Political Implications: Influence … Read more

Points to Remember: Problems: Inadequate infrastructure, siltation, lack of standardization, environmental concerns, competition from other modes of transport, operational inefficiencies. Prospects: Reduced congestion on roads and railways, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, potential for economic growth in hinterlands, government initiatives for development. Introduction: Inland water transport (IWT) in India, encompassing rivers, canals, lakes, and backwaters, holds significant … Read more

Points to Remember: Definition and characteristics of air masses. Formation and classification of air masses. Movement and interaction of air masses. Role of air masses in weather systems and macro-climatic changes. Examples of air mass influence on regional climates. Introduction: An air mass is a large body of air with relatively uniform temperature and humidity … Read more

Points to Remember: Causes of Himalayan landslides: Geological factors (rock type, slope angle, tectonic activity), meteorological factors (rainfall, snowmelt), anthropogenic factors (deforestation, road construction, mining). Mitigation measures: Engineering solutions (terracing, retaining walls, drainage systems), land-use planning (reforestation, controlled development), community participation (early warning systems, education). Introduction: The Himalayas, one of the world’s most extensive and … Read more

Points to Remember: Sustainable land and water management practices. Impact of mismanagement on human well-being. Integrated approaches to resource management. Policy recommendations for improved management. Introduction: Effective management of land and water resources is crucial for human well-being. Water scarcity and land degradation are significant global challenges, leading to food insecurity, poverty, displacement, and conflict. … Read more

Points to Remember: Regionalism’s multifaceted nature: economic disparities, cultural identities, political factors. Unequal development as a catalyst: Focus on how uneven distribution of resources fuels regional grievances. Other contributing factors: historical injustices, ethnic tensions, political marginalization. Potential consequences: secessionist movements, internal conflict, political instability. Mitigation strategies: equitable development policies, inclusive governance, strengthening regional cooperation. Introduction: … Read more

Points to Remember: Globalization’s multifaceted impact on Indian cultural diversity. Positive and negative influences of globalization on cultural preservation and change. The role of technology, media, and migration in shaping cultural landscapes. The resilience of Indian culture and its adaptive capacity. Policy recommendations for safeguarding cultural diversity in a globalized world. Introduction: Globalization, the increasing … Read more