UPSC Essentials is launching a new initiative aimed at enhancing Mains answer writing skills among candidates. This program encompasses key topics from both the static and dynamic segments of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus relevant to various General Studies papers. The selected questions are thoughtfully curated based on their significance to the UPSC exam and contemporary issues, allowing aspirants to concentrate on crucial themes for the Mains examination. This practice is designed to complement your preparation for the UPSC CSE Mains. Participate in today’s GS-3 questions and evaluate your progress.
As we celebrate the third anniversary of the UPSC Essentials magazine, we extend our gratitude to our readers for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Your trust, feedback, and encouragement have played a vital role in the magazine’s evolution, motivating us to enhance each edition. Click here to access the September 2026 issue of UPSC Essentials. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section or via email at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com.
QUESTION 1: Analyze the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on disaster management in India. In what ways can it enhance preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation?
Significance: This question connects AI to the disaster management cycle, including mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation. It explores how AI, along with predictive analytics and real-time data, can bolster disaster resilience.
Note: This is not a model answer for UPSC; rather, it provides a framework for your response.
AI is emerging as a transformative tool in disaster management, capable of swiftly processing extensive data sets to generate localized forecasts and risk assessments.
It shifts the focus of disaster management from a primarily reactive approach to one that emphasizes prediction, preparation, and targeted response.
Consider incorporating the following aspects into your response:
Role of AI in the disaster management cycle:
- AI systems can analyze vast amounts of historical and real-time weather data to deliver quicker and more localized weather forecasts, particularly for events such as heavy rainfall and flooding. These AI forecasts can complement traditional physics-based weather models, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) currently testing tools like Pangu, GraphCast, and FourCastNet.
- In 2026, the IMD introduced AI-enabled rain forecasting tools capable of predicting rainfall with precision down to a 1-kilometer radius in Uttar Pradesh, utilizing data from weather stations, satellites, and radars. AI also integrates weather forecasts with hazard maps to provide clearer insights into disaster risks and facilitate timely warnings.
- During disasters, devices such as smartphones, drones, and satellites gather significant amounts of unstructured data. AI can rapidly analyze this information to extract actionable insights for immediate response. For example, during the Nepal disaster, an AI system matched public reports of missing persons with government records and used satellite imagery to identify damaged structures.
- Drones equipped with thermal imaging technology have also been effective in detecting human thermal signatures under debris, aiding rescue operations in locating potential survivors.
- Post-disaster, AI assists in identifying damaged infrastructure, locating isolated communities, and prioritizing areas for the distribution of food and medical supplies.
- AI-generated risk assessments, combined with satellite imaging and damage mapping, can help authorities recognize vulnerable areas and enhance future disaster risk management strategies. Recent initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, such as GIS-based multi-hazard risk mapping and early warning systems, illustrate the growing trend towards technology-driven disaster risk mitigation.
- AI’s utility spans all levels of disaster management, from hyper-local predictions and early warnings to rescue operations, damage assessments, relief efforts, and rehabilitation.
- However, the effectiveness of AI ultimately relies not just on technological advancements but also on its integration with strong institutions, skilled personnel, and resilient disaster management frameworks.
What role can AI play in real-time decision-making and resource allocation during disasters? What challenges exist in terms of data quality, digital infrastructure, privacy, and dependence on technology?
Related Previous Year Question: Discuss the recent initiatives undertaken by the Government of India in disaster management that signify a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. (2020)
QUESTION 2: What factors contribute to the vulnerability of subsea cables to disruption or sabotage? Analyze the consequences of such disruptions for national security and economic stability.
Significance: This question underscores the importance of the physical safeguarding of critical infrastructure in relation to national security and emerging threats. It highlights the reliance of digital services, financial systems, and international communications on subsea cable networks.
Note: This is not a model answer for UPSC; rather, it provides a framework for your response.
Subsea cables form the essential foundation of global digital connectivity, carrying over 99% of internet traffic and facilitating financial transactions, governmental operations, and digital communications.
Their vulnerability is therefore not solely a telecommunications issue but a significant concern regarding national security and economic resilience.
