UPSC_CS MAINS 2019 Paper III

Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides.

Points to Remember: Disaster preparedness is crucial for effective disaster management. Hazard zonation mapping is a key tool for disaster mitigation. Landslides are a significant natural hazard requiring proactive mitigation strategies. Mapping helps identify vulnerable areas and inform land-use planning. Community involvement is essential for effective disaster preparedness. Introduction: Disaster management is a cyclical process … Read more

Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.

Points to Remember: Vulnerability is a key factor in determining disaster impacts. Vulnerability is multifaceted and encompasses various dimensions. Different types of vulnerability exist, interacting to create complex risk profiles. Understanding vulnerability is crucial for effective disaster risk reduction. Introduction: Disasters, whether natural or human-induced, do not affect everyone equally. The severity of their impact … Read more

Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indians coasts, citing specific examples.

Points to Remember: Environmental degradation caused by coastal sand mining. Socio-economic impacts of sand mining. Legal and regulatory frameworks concerning sand mining in India. Sustainable alternatives to sand mining. Case studies illustrating the negative impacts of sand mining in India. Introduction: Coastal sand mining, the extraction of sand from coastal areas, is a significant environmental … Read more

Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region.

Points to Remember: Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given the food, habitat, water, and other necessities available in the environment. Exceeding carrying capacity leads to environmental degradation and resource depletion. Understanding carrying capacity is crucial for sustainable development planning to prevent ecological collapse and … Read more

Indian Government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations.

Points to Remember: Amendments to UAPA and NIA Act. Prevailing security environment in India. Human rights concerns regarding UAPA. Balancing national security with human rights. Introduction: The Indian government’s recent amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act aim to strengthen the country’s anti-terrorism framework. These amendments, … Read more

Cross-Border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges.

Points to Remember: Cross-border insurgency is a major, but not the only, security challenge on the India-Myanmar border. Other challenges include drug trafficking, illegal migration, arms smuggling, and trans-border crime. Effective countermeasures require a multi-pronged approach involving improved intelligence sharing, enhanced border infrastructure, strengthened law enforcement, and regional cooperation. Introduction: The India-Myanmar border, spanning over … Read more

What is Cyber Dome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.

Points to Remember: Cyber Dome Project: A centralized, integrated platform for monitoring and responding to cybercrimes. Functionality: Real-time threat detection, analysis, and response coordination. Benefits: Enhanced cybercrime investigation, improved collaboration, faster response times. Challenges: Data privacy concerns, resource allocation, technological advancements. Introduction: Cybercrime is a rapidly growing threat globally, and India is no exception. The … Read more

The banning of âJammat-e-Islamiâ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs.

Points to Remember: Definition and role of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) Methods used by OGWs to assist terrorist organizations Challenges in identifying and neutralizing OGWs Measures to counter the influence of OGWs Importance of a multi-pronged approach involving law enforcement, intelligence, and societal engagement. Introduction: The banning of Jamaat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir highlighted the … Read more

What is Indiaâs plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?

Points to Remember: India’s current space station plans. Technological advancements needed. Benefits to India’s space program (scientific, economic, strategic). Challenges and potential risks. International collaborations. Introduction: India’s ambition to establish its own space station represents a significant leap forward in its space program. While not yet fully realized, the plan signifies a shift from primarily … Read more

How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

Points to Remember: Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): A crucial database for documenting and protecting traditional knowledge. International Cooperation: India’s efforts to collaborate with other countries on intellectual property rights related to traditional medicine. Legislation and Policy: Relevant Indian laws and policies aimed at safeguarding traditional knowledge. Challenges: Difficulties in enforcement and the complexities of … Read more