UPSC_CS MAINS 2022 Paper III

Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.

Points to Remember: Cloudburst mechanism: rapid upward movement of air, condensation, intense rainfall. Indian Subcontinent vulnerability: orographic effects, monsoon season. Recent examples: specific locations, impacts, and contributing factors. Mitigation strategies: early warning systems, infrastructure development. Introduction: A cloudburst is a localized, extremely intense rainfall event characterized by a sudden and heavy downpour concentrated over a … Read more

Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?

Points to Remember: Causes of Coastal Erosion: Natural processes (sea-level rise, waves, currents, storms) and anthropogenic activities (dam construction, deforestation, urbanization, unsustainable fishing practices). Effects of Coastal Erosion: Loss of land, infrastructure damage, displacement of communities, biodiversity loss, saltwater intrusion. Coastal Management Techniques: Hard engineering (seawalls, groynes), soft engineering (beach nourishment, dune stabilization), integrated coastal … Read more

Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.

Points to Remember: Global warming, its causes (greenhouse gases), and effects. The Kyoto Protocol’s role in controlling greenhouse gas emissions. Control measures to mitigate global warming. Introduction: Global warming refers to the long-term heating of Earth’s climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, … Read more

Discuss in detail the photo chemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol.

Points to Remember: Photochemical smog formation: Sunlight, NOx, VOCs. Effects of photochemical smog: Respiratory problems, damage to vegetation, reduced visibility. Mitigation strategies: Reducing NOx and VOC emissions, improved public transport. Gothenburg Protocol: Focus on reducing acidification, eutrophication, and ground-level ozone. Introduction: Photochemical smog is a type of air pollution produced when sunlight reacts with nitrogen … Read more

Discuss the types of organized crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organized crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.

Points to Remember: Types of Organized Crime (e.g., drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, arms trafficking, etc.) National-level linkages between terrorists and organized crime (financing, logistics, recruitment) Transnational linkages between terrorists and organized crime (smuggling routes, money laundering networks, arms procurement) The symbiotic relationship and mutual benefits derived from this collaboration. Challenges in combating this nexus. … Read more

What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.

Points to Remember: India’s vast coastline and strategic maritime location present unique security challenges. Maritime security encompasses various threats, including piracy, smuggling, terrorism, and illegal fishing. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach involving organizational restructuring, technological advancements, and improved procedures. Introduction: India’s maritime domain, encompassing a coastline of over 7,500 km and a vast … Read more

What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.

Points to Remember: Key elements of cybersecurity: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA triad), Authentication, Authorization, Non-repudiation. Challenges in cybersecurity: Increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, evolving threat landscape, lack of skilled professionals, legal and regulatory frameworks. India’s National Cyber Security Strategy: Assessment of its strengths and weaknesses, focusing on implementation and effectiveness. Introduction: Cybersecurity encompasses the practices and … Read more

Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues gets a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

Points to Remember: Naxalism’s multifaceted nature: social, economic, developmental, and security dimensions. The need for a multi-layered strategy. Addressing root causes alongside security measures. Importance of inclusive development and good governance. The role of various stakeholders (government, civil society, local communities). Introduction: Naxalism, also known as the Maoist insurgency, is a complex socio-political phenomenon in … Read more

What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines?

Points to Remember: Basic principle of vaccine development: inducing immunity without causing disease. Mechanisms of vaccine action: stimulating antibody and T-cell responses. Indian COVID-19 vaccine approaches: adaptation of existing technologies and development of novel platforms. Introduction: Vaccines are one of the most significant public health interventions in history, credited with eradicating smallpox and drastically reducing … Read more

Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

Points to Remember: James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) features and advancements over predecessors. JWST’s key scientific goals. Potential benefits of JWST for humanity. Introduction: Launched on Christmas Day 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) represents a giant leap forward in astronomical observation. Unlike its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, which primarily operates in the … Read more