GS3 · Topic
Disaster Risk Reduction
Reducing exposure before an event: early warning, the NDMA and its plans, Sendai, resilient construction, land-use control.
98 UPSC Mains GS3 questions on Disaster Risk Reduction that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2017–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
What are the key lessons for disaster management and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region, in light of the recent disaster in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 14 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Disaster ManagementEnvironmental Governance
The Formation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure brings more robustness to the Disaster Management approach in India. Comment and justify the need for a new strategy to tackle Disasters in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 14 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Discuss the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge of India's tribal communities with modern disaster management frameworks. Mention two examples where indigenous practices have contributed to disaster resilience.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Air accidents are low-frequency but high-impact events. Examine the disaster management protocols in place for aviation-related emergencies in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Disaster ManagementInfrastructure
In light of the increased intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the last decade, do you think the time has come to include "heat waves" as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Disaster ManagementClimate Change
Discuss the vulnerability of northern India to earthquake-related disasters. Highlight India's preparedness in mitigating their impacts.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Unplanned urbanization has made Indian cities vulnerable to fire safety hazards. Discuss and recommend measures for mitigating urban fires, with special reference to national building code, 2016.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified the impact and frequency of heat waves in India. Discuss. How can Heat Action Plans (HAPs) improve heatwave management in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Disaster ManagementClimate Change
Across sectors and regions, the most marginalised sections are also the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Explain. Also, present a case for a climate resilient model of development that integrates mitigation and adaptation measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Climate ChangeInclusive Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of disaster management in public health. Discuss the key strategies and challenges for managing pandemics and other infectious disease outbreaks.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Given its vast resources and technical expertise, India can play a key role in assisting the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in dealing with the impact of climate change. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Climate ChangeEnvironmental Governance
What do you understand by heat waves? Highlight the reasons and impact of the rising frequency of heat waves across India. Also, recommend some measures to mitigate its impact.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023
Disaster ManagementClimate Change
Discuss the multiple issues associated with space debris. Also, state the initiatives taken in recent times to tackle this menace.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Space TechnologyDisaster Risk Reduction
Disaster management is not just about responding to emergencies but also about building resilient communities. Discuss the key strategies that can be used to build community resilience and reduce the impact of disasters.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Disaster Risk ReductionDisaster Management
Despite increased and regular occurrences of landslides over the past decade in India, the dominant development paradigm has largely not been modified. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
The recent "Disaster Management Plan of Ministry of Panchayati Raj (DMP-MoPR)" aims to develop disaster resilience at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the rationale behind the formulation of the Plan and highlight its key components.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Investment in infrastructure is a precursor to social and economic transformation; however, the focus on economic gains must not marginalise the concerns for safety. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2025
InfrastructureDisaster Risk Reduction
“Preparedness is the first step towards disaster risk reduction”. In this context, assess the role of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in strengthening disaster preparedness and early warning systems in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Disaster Risk ReductionDisaster Management
Forest fires in India are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. Describe the various causes of forest fires. What measures are followed to prevent and manage forest fires in India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Biodiversity and ConservationDisaster Management
How can the resilience of Indian coastal communities be strengthened to tackle the growing natural hazards resulting from climate change?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
A multi-sectoral and multi-tiered process, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is beset with a plethora of constraints. Identifying these constrains, recommend measures for building a robust DRR strategy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Disaster Risk ReductionDisaster Management
Elaborate the disaster vulnerability of Indian coastal cities with examples. Examine the relevance of Sendai Framework in disaster management of coastal regions.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
In spite of being preventable, stampedes due to improper crowd control mechanisms continue to claim lives in India. Discuss the underlying causes of such disasters. What institutional and technological measures can be taken for efficient crowd management?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Some regions in India, including Delhi, are highly vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes originating in the Himalayas. Discuss. What institutional measures have been taken to mitigate earthquake losses in India? Do you think there are significant gaps that still exist?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Urban areas are more vulnerable to disasters due to unplanned growth and infrastructure collapses. Discuss. What strategies do you recommend to enhance urban resilience to such disasters?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
What are the salient features of Mission Mausam launched by the Government of India? Why is such a mission needed? What are the likely challenges in its effective implementation?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Climate ChangeDisaster Risk Reduction
The growing influx of tourists in Himalayan states has breached their ecological carrying capacity, leading to significant man-made disasters. What measures can be implemented to prevent such disasters while promoting sustainable tourism? Discuss with relevant examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Disaster ManagementBiodiversity and Conservation
India's approach to deal with water issues in the overall political and security context needs a holistic strategy. Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Irrigation and WaterEnvironmental Governance
Highlight the key provisions of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025. How would the amendment help strengthen the disaster management framework in the country?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction
Analyse the reasons behind the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides. What steps can be taken for their management and control?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Disaster ManagementDisaster Risk Reduction