Here are some sample UPSC Mains questions related to disaster management:
- Discuss the role of disaster management in ensuring resilience and preparedness in the face of natural and man-made disasters. How can effective disaster risk reduction strategies mitigate the impact of disasters on communities and economies?
- Analyze the key challenges in disaster management in India, considering factors such as urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change. How can government policies and community participation contribute to building resilience at the local, national, and global levels?
- Evaluate the effectiveness of early warning systems in disaster preparedness and response. What technological innovations and institutional mechanisms are needed to strengthen early warning capabilities and enhance community awareness?
- Discuss the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction into sustainable development planning. How can the principles of risk-informed decision-making and ecosystem-based approaches be applied to promote resilience and reduce vulnerability?
- Critically assess the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, and volunteers in disaster response and recovery efforts. How can partnerships between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and community-based organizations strengthen disaster resilience?
- Examine the socio-economic impacts of disasters on vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. What measures should be taken to ensure inclusive disaster preparedness, response, and recovery?
- Discuss the ethical considerations in disaster management, particularly in the allocation of resources, decision-making processes, and the protection of human rights. How can ethical principles guide disaster response efforts and promote equity and justice?
- Assess the role of technology, including remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and social media, in enhancing disaster management capabilities. How can innovative technologies be leveraged to improve situational awareness, coordination, and communication during emergencies?
- Evaluate the challenges and opportunities in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation into national and local policies, plans, and programs. How can multi-sectoral coordination and institutional capacity-building facilitate this process?
- Discuss the lessons learned from recent disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, cyclones, floods, and earthquakes, in terms of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. How can these lessons inform future policy and practice in disaster management?
These questions cover various aspects of disaster management, including risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, and the role of different stakeholders in building resilience to disasters. They provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of disaster management and exploring strategies for effective disaster risk management.
