UPSC_CS MAINS 2020 Paper III

Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

Points to Remember: Shift from reactive to proactive disaster management. Enhanced preparedness and mitigation strategies. Technological advancements in disaster response. Community participation and capacity building. Strengthening institutional frameworks. Introduction: India, a country highly vulnerable to a multitude of natural disasters (floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, etc.), historically adopted a largely reactive approach to disaster management. This … Read more

How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

Points to Remember: Key differences between the Draft EIA Notification, 2020 and the EIA Notification, 2006 lie in the scope of projects requiring EIA, public consultation, and the powers granted to the authorities. The 2020 draft aimed for streamlined processes but faced criticism for potentially weakening environmental safeguards. The 2006 notification, while having its limitations, … Read more

What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

Points to Remember: Objective: Water conservation and water security in India. Approach: Factual and analytical, drawing upon government initiatives and reports. Key Features: Focus on water-stressed districts, community participation, technological interventions, and monitoring mechanisms. Introduction: India faces significant water challenges, including depleting groundwater levels, erratic rainfall, and increasing water scarcity. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), … Read more

What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

Points to Remember: National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A national-level initiative to combat air pollution. Key Features: Focus on identified non-attainment cities, action plans, monitoring, and capacity building. Targets: Significant reduction in particulate matter (PM) levels by 2024. Implementation: Collaborative effort between central and state governments. Challenges: Implementation complexities, resource constraints, and monitoring effectiveness. Introduction: … Read more

Analyze internal security threats and trans border crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard.

Points to Remember: Internal security threats: Insurgency, terrorism, ethnic conflicts, organized crime. Transborder crimes: Smuggling (drugs, arms, humans), cross-border terrorism, illegal migration. Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan borders: Unique geographical and political contexts. Line of Control (LoC): Specific challenges related to disputed territory and cross-border infiltration. Role of security forces: Army, paramilitary forces, police, intelligence agencies â … Read more

For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals.

Points to Remember: Denying local support to militants: Focus on addressing the root causes of support, improving governance, and strengthening law enforcement. Managing favourable perception: Emphasize development initiatives, community engagement, and addressing grievances. Border area management: A holistic approach encompassing security, development, and human rights is crucial. Introduction: Effective border area management is crucial for … Read more

Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.

Points to Remember: Definition and categorization of cybercrimes. Examples of each type of cybercrime. Preventive measures at individual, organizational, and governmental levels. Legal frameworks and international cooperation. Technological solutions and advancements. Introduction: Cybercrime, encompassing illegal activities committed using computers and the internet, has become a pervasive global threat. The rapid expansion of digital technologies and … Read more

What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

Points to Remember: Determinants of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): Socio-economic factors, political grievances, historical injustices, state response, and organizational factors. Counter-LWE Strategy: Multi-pronged approach combining development, security, and governance reforms. Emphasis on community engagement, addressing root causes, and strengthening institutions. Introduction: Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in Eastern India, primarily driven by Maoist insurgent groups, poses a significant … Read more

What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?

Points to Remember: Definition and scope of nanotechnology. Applications of nanotechnology in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Advantages and limitations of nanotechnology in healthcare. Ethical considerations and future prospects. Introduction: Nanotechnology, derived from the Greek word “nanos” meaning dwarf, involves manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level, typically at scales between 1 and 100 … Read more

How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?

Points to Remember: The pervasive influence of science in daily life. Science-driven advancements in agriculture and their impact. Both positive and negative consequences of scientific advancements in agriculture. The need for sustainable and ethical applications of scientific technologies. Introduction: Science, broadly defined as the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world … Read more