UPSC_CS MAINS 2021 Paper III

Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.

Points to Remember: India’s geographical location and tectonic plate activity make it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Seismic zoning maps categorize regions based on earthquake risk. Major earthquakes have caused significant damage and loss of life in various parts of India. Disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies are crucial for reducing vulnerability. Introduction: India is situated in … Read more

Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention components of the important components of National Landslide Risk Management strategy.

Points to Remember: Landslides are a significant geohazard with diverse causes and far-reaching consequences. Understanding the causes is crucial for effective risk management. A national strategy is essential for mitigating landslide risks. Introduction: Landslides, also known as landslips, are the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. They are a … Read more

Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November,2021. When was this idea first floated inthe International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

Points to Remember: Green Grid Initiative â One Sun, One World, One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG) aims to establish a global interconnected renewable energy grid. The initiative was launched at COP26. The ISA first floated the idea prior to COP26. The initiative aims to enhance energy access, affordability, and sustainability. Challenges include technological hurdles, political will, and … Read more

Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?

Points to Remember: COP26 outcomes: Focus on key agreements, including the Glasgow Climate Pact, and their strengths and weaknesses. India’s commitments: Detail specific pledges made by India regarding emissions reduction, renewable energy, and financial assistance. Global perspective: Consider the overall impact of COP26 and India’s role within the larger context of global climate action. Introduction: … Read more

Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in Indiaâs National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?

Keywords: Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), World Health Organisation (WHO), National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), India, air pollution, revised standards. Required Approach: Primarily factual and analytical, with some policy recommendations. Points to Remember: WHO’s revised AQGs significantly lower the recommended limits for various air pollutants. The 2005 guidelines were significantly less stringent. Achieving the revised … Read more

Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

Points to Remember: Terrorism’s multifaceted nature: ideological, religious, political, economic drivers. Global interconnectedness facilitating terrorist activities. Nexus with organized crime, drug trafficking, and arms dealing. Importance of multi-pronged counter-terrorism strategies. Need for international cooperation and intelligence sharing. Emphasis on addressing root causes and promoting inclusive societies. Introduction: Terrorism, defined as the unlawful use of violence … Read more

Keeping in view Indiaâs internal security, analyse the impact of cross border cyber-attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.

Points to Remember: Cross-border cyberattacks pose a significant threat to India’s internal security. These attacks can target critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and government agencies. Effective defensive measures require a multi-layered approach involving technological, legal, and human resources. Introduction: India’s internal security landscape is increasingly threatened by cross-border cyberattacks. These attacks, originating from state and non-state … Read more

Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.

Points to Remember: Emerging technologies facilitate anonymous transactions and cross-border movement of funds. Globalization increases the complexity of financial systems, making it harder to track illicit flows. National and international cooperation is crucial to combat money laundering effectively. Technological solutions and regulatory frameworks are essential for prevention and detection. Introduction: Money laundering, the process of … Read more

Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.

Points to Remember: External state actors: Countries actively engaging in destabilizing activities against India. Non-state actors: Terrorist organizations, insurgent groups, and criminal networks operating across borders. Multidimensional challenges: Threats spanning political, economic, social, and technological domains. Combating threats: Proactive measures involving diplomacy, intelligence, military preparedness, and domestic reforms. Introduction: India’s internal security is increasingly challenged … Read more

What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?

Points to Remember: Key areas of applied biotechnology research and development (R&D). Specific achievements with societal impact. Mechanisms through which biotechnological advancements can uplift poorer sections. Challenges and limitations in translating R&D into societal benefits. Introduction: Applied biotechnology harnesses biological systems and organisms to develop or make products intended to improve human lives and the … Read more