GS1 · Topic
Natural Resources
Distribution and use of minerals, energy, forests, soil and marine resources.
103 UPSC Mains GS1 questions on Natural Resources that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2016–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
IndustryHuman Geography
Desertification is not merely a land degradation issue; it is a silent threat to global ecological stability and food security. Discuss
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Climate ChangeNatural Resources
Account for the factors influencing the location of semiconductor industries across the world.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
IndustryHuman Geography
Marine resources have emerged as a vital cornerstone of the economy, providing rich source of livelihoods and prosperity. Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Natural ResourcesOceanography
Account for the shift in location of sugar industry. What has been the economic and ecological consequences of these shifts?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
IndustryNatural Resources
Describe the ecosystem services provided by the mangrove forests. Examine the causes of depletion of mangrove forests and suggest measures for their protection.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Natural ResourcesClimate Change
Why is Antarctic becoming an area of renewed human interest? Examine the significance of Antarctic bill, 2022 in protecting India's interest in the region.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Natural ResourcesClimate Change
Competing demand for land as a resource limits the development of mega solar parks in India.' In the light of the statement, evaluate the potential of rooftop solar power in meeting renewable energy targets for India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Natural ResourcesIndustry
Give an account on the distribution of rare earth elements (REE). Discuss their importance for the fourth industrial revolution.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Natural ResourcesIndustry
Discuss the agro-climatic factors necessary for tea cultivation. Why is its production concentrated in specific pockets of Eastern and Southern India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Human GeographyIndustry
Enumerate the major reasons that make the Indian economy heavily reliant on coal. Explain why phasing out coal from our energy basket is difficult.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Natural ResourcesIndustry
Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
IndustryNatural Resources
Describe the main pillars of India's Arctic Policy. Why is arctic region gaining greater geopolitical significance in the present context?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Natural ResourcesClimate Change
Stress on the Himalayan geo-resources threatens the lifeline of a billion population. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
HimalayasGeomorphology
Discuss the feasibility of Interlinking rivers to resolve the issue of water stress in other regions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
WaterNatural Resources
Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
IndustryHuman Geography
To what extent temperature and precipitation are the most important factors that determine soil properties?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
GeomorphologyNatural Resources
Often called 'white gold,' lithium has emerged as a priority metal in achieving the global energy transition. Explain. Also, outline the distribution of lithium in India and the world, and discuss the implications of its uneven availability globally.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Natural Resources
What are the factors contributing to the decline in crude oil production in India, and what suggestions can be proposed to reverse this trend and promote domestic production?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Natural ResourcesIndustry
Development of island territories requires a careful balancing of environmental and tribal concerns with exploitation of economic potential. Elaborating on the threats faced by island territories of India, comment on the recent measures proposed by the government regarding their development.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
TribalsClimate Change
The socio-economic and ecological consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching. Discuss. Suggest measures that can be taken to restore soil fertility and arrest soil degradation.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Natural ResourcesClimate Change
Natural gas has become an important primary energy source and its consumption is projected to increase further. Identify various usages of natural gas and give a brief account of its distribution globally.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Natural Resources
What are Rare Earth Elements? Discuss their significance in the 4th Industrial Revolution and associated challenges.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Natural ResourcesIndustry
It has been suggested that the next decade may see a boom in hybrid power plants. Stating the advantages that such power plants offer, discuss the associated challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
IndustryNatural Resources
Discuss the reasons behind unsustainable management of sand resources in India. Highlighting its impact, enumerate the remedial measures taken in this context.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Natural ResourcesWater
Discuss the non-conventional energy potential of peninsular India with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Natural Resources
How can eco-tourism be used to sustainably harness the potential of tourism industry in India? Discuss the challenges and steps taken by the government in this context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
UrbanizationNatural Resources
With the help of a map, explain the distribution and characteristic features of different types of forests in India. Highlighting the major causes of deforestation, suggest steps needed to conserve forest resource of the country.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Natural Resources
Millets are superfood for the present and future. In this context, mention the advantages of the cultivation of millets as a food crop.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Natural ResourcesClimate Change
The eastern Indian states of Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are mining hotspots of India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Natural ResourcesIndustry