upsc

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Questions Number 1(a) Solution

Q. 1(a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. Introduction  Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines...

Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard

Introduction Mention that industrial pollution is a critical environmental challenge-impacting water quality, human health, and biodiversity. Highlight that, especially in urban and peri-urban areas, addressing this challenge is critical to ensuring sustainable water resources and ecosystem health Body Extent of...

Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem

Approach to the answer Context: Begin  by mentioning how social media and encrypted messaging platforms have revolutionized communication globally, enabling instant connections and information sharing. Emerging Security Threats: Highlight the potential misuse of these platforms for nefarious purposes, such as...

India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme.

Introduction The India-China border extends over 3,400 km and includes contentious zones like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and McMahon Line. The India-Pakistan border, spanning over 3,300 km, includes the Radcliffe Line and the Line of Control (LoC) in...

Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods

Introduction You can mention that with changing climate pattern, there has been an increasing trend of urban floods in India over the past several years.  Add examples-Delhi Flood (2023), Bengaluru Flood (2022), Hyderabad (2020), Chennai (2015). Causes of Urban Flooding...

What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030)

Introduction You can begin with the definition of Disaster resilience-the ability of individuals, communities, organisations and states to adapt to and recover from hazards, shocks or stresses without compromising long-term prospects for development. You can use keywords like-Disaster resilience is...

What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe?

Introduction Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun and are primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.  Formation: Most asteroids are remnants of the early solar system, and they never coalesced into planets due to...

The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies that can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits

Introduction Begin your answer, highlighting the status of freshwater scarcity in the world. The UN Water Development Report of 2023 reveals that between two and three billion people globally face water shortage.  UNICEF's projections are equally dire, forecasting that by...

Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stocks?

Introduction Buffer stocks managed primarily by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), plays a crucial role in stabilising agricultural prices in India, ensuring food security and protecting both consumers and farmers from price volatility, by procuring essential food grains like...

What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation systems in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.

Introduction-  Start with a data related to the importance of irrigation system in India.  "India's irrigation system, crucial for the country's food security and agricultural growth, faces numerous challenges in recent times. With nearly 60% of the country's net sown...