UPSC Mains 2017 GS3 Q17 — Climate Change
'Climate change' is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change ? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change ? (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- How
- Scope keywords
- Climate changeglobal problemIndia will be affectedHimalayan and coastal states
- Implicit sub-parts
- Briefly establish the 'global' nature of the problem through a multi-lateral context.
- Categorize general impacts on India across sectors like agriculture, water security, and public health.
- Examine specific vulnerabilities of the Himalayan ecosystem (Glacial retreat, GLOFs).
- Analyze specific threats to coastal states (Sea-level rise, salinity ingress, cyclone intensity).
- Synthesize the socio-economic implications of these geographical vulnerabilities.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on causes of climate change instead of focusing on 'effects' as asked.
- Failing to distinguish between the specific impacts on Himalayan vs. coastal regions (treating them as one block).
- Neglecting the 'global problem' preamble and jumping straight into the Indian context without providing a global perspective link.
- Omitting current examples or recent data like IPCC AR6 reports or specific events like Joshimath subsidence or Mumbai urban flooding.
- Dimensions required
- Geographical/EcologicalSocio-EconomicHealth and Food SecurityHuman Migration and DisplacementDisaster Management
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30-40 words to the global context and general Indian impacts. Dedicate the core 160-170 words equally between the Himalayan and Coastal specificities (approx 80 words each) as these are the primary focus of the question. Reserve the final 40 words for a forward-looking conclusion on adaptation and resilience.
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