UPSC Mains 2021 GS1 Q5 — Natural Resources Mining
Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- Gondwanalandmining industryGross Domestic Product (GDP)percentagemuch less
- Implicit sub-parts
- What is the geological link between Gondwanaland and India's mineral potential?
- Why is there a paradox between high mineral reserves and low GDP contribution?
- What are the regulatory, environmental, and infrastructural bottlenecks?
- What recent policy shifts aim to bridge this gap?
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a general geography essay on plate tectonics and Gondwanaland without linking it to mineral wealth.
- Failing to provide the current GDP contribution percentage (approx. 2.2-2.5%) of the mining sector.
- Ignoring the 'Discuss' directive by only listing problems instead of analyzing the mismatch between potential and reality.
- Forgetting to mention the social and environmental conflicts (tribal rights, forest clearances) that stall mining in India.
- Dimensions required
- Geological/Physical GeographyEconomic/Macro-economicRegulatory/LegalEnvironmental/EcologicalTechnological
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to the introduction establishing the Gondwanaland-mineral link and current GDP share. Spend 90 words on a balanced discussion of structural, environmental, and policy bottlenecks. Use the final 30 words for a way-forward focusing on recent reforms like the MMDR Amendment Act.
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