GS1 2018 Q5 10 marks 150 words Resource Geography

UPSC Mains 2018 GS1 Q5 — Resource Geography

Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region ? (Answer in 150 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Why
Scope keywords
Indiakeen interestresourcesArctic Region
Implicit sub-parts
  • Analysis of specific resource types: hydrocarbons, minerals, and fisheries.
  • The strategic importance of new shipping routes (NSR) for energy security.
  • Scientific and environmental drivers, specifically the link between Arctic melt and the Indian Monsoon.
  • India's geopolitical positioning as an 'Observer' in the Arctic Council.
Common pitfalls
  • Focusing too much on general climate change impacts instead of specific resource extraction interests.
  • Confusing the Arctic with the Antarctic (different legal regimes and resource potential).
  • Failing to mention India's 'Arctic Policy 2022' which provides the formal framework for this interest.
  • Ignoring the connectivity aspect, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) link to the Arctic.
Dimensions required
EconomicEnergy SecurityGeopoliticalScientificEnvironmental
Marks allocation hint

Spend 30 words on the context of the Arctic Policy 2022 and India's Observer status. Devote 90 words to the core 'why'—breaking it into energy/minerals, shipping routes, and monsoon research. Use the final 30 words to address the 'keen interest' via sustainable development and international cooperation.

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