MAINS 2015
GS1
12.5 marks
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?
WRITE IN
9 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss the economic importance and environmental risks of oil discovery in the Arctic.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Economic: large reserves, energy security, new shipping routes (Northern Sea Route), investment, India's interest via ONGC Videsh and observer status≈35 words
- 2Geopolitics: overlapping claims of Arctic states, Russia-West rivalry≈35 words
- 3Environmental: spills hard to clean in ice, black carbon accelerating melt, threats to polar bears, walrus, fisheries, indigenous livelihoods, climate feedback≈35 words
- 4Governance: Arctic Council, UNCLOS limits; need for strict standards≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
ReservesEconomic and strategic gainsEnvironmental risksGovernanceConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Not linking melting ice to both access and risk
- Missing India's stake
Draw this
- Polar map showing Arctic basins and the Northern Sea Route
Value addition
- DataThe US Geological Survey (2008) estimated the Arctic holds about 13% of the world's undiscovered oil and 30% of undiscovered gas.USGS, 2008
- PolicyIndia became an Arctic Council observer in 2013 and released its Arctic Policy in 2022; its Himadri research station opened in 2008.MoES
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 38 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Akansh Dhull · AIR 3 · Page 26 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 17 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Akansh Dhull · AIR 3 · Page 11 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
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