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Important Topics for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains 2025

Important Topics for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains 2025 consist of key concepts, case studies, frameworks, and government initiatives related to disaster preparedness. Read on for important topics for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains 2025.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit6 Jun, 2025
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Important Topics for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains 2025

 

Important Topics for Disaster Management in UPSC Mains 2025: Aspiring candidates need a good understanding of Disaster Management in India for competitive exams. These topics are crucial for the UPSC Exam and Governance syllabus (GS-II), appearing in both Prelims and Mains.

It's important to learn these concepts thoroughly, including their definitions and applications, and stay updated with current affairs, as questions often relate to recent events. Therefore, along with textbooks, candidates should regularly follow newspapers and news analyses for complete preparation and a better understanding of Important Topics for Disaster Management in UPSC Mains 2025.

List of Important Topics for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains 2025

The list of important topics for Disaster Management in UPSC Mains 2025 includes disaster types, vulnerability mapping, risk assessment, disaster preparedness, mitigation strategies, disaster response mechanisms, recovery and rehabilitation, the role of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), international cooperation, climate change impact, and case studies of past disasters. Focus on policies, frameworks, and practical examples. The table below contains the list of Important Topics for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains 2025:
Important Topics for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains 2025
Topic Subtopics
1. Basic Concepts
  • Definitions: Disaster, Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Resilience.
  • Types of disasters: Natural (e.g., earthquakes, floods, cyclones) and Man-made (e.g., industrial accidents, terrorism).
2. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
  • International framework(s): Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).
  • National policies: National Disaster Management Plan, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.
  • Role of various institutions: NDMA, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), and NGOs.
3. Disaster Management Cycle
  • Phases: Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, Recovery.
  • Community-based Disaster Management.
  • Role of technology: Early warning systems, GIS, remote sensing.
4. Case Studies
  • Recent disasters in India: Floods in Kerala, Cyclones like Fani and Amphan, Earthquake in Nepal.
  • Analysis of disaster management strategies in these cases.
5. Climate Change and Disasters
  • Impact of climate change on the frequency of disasters and intensity of disasters.
  • Adaptation and mitigation strategies to combat climate-related disasters.
6. Urban Disaster Risk Reduction
  • Issues related to urbanisation: Infrastructure, population density, urban flooding.
  • Smart cities and disaster resilience.
7. Institutional Framework and Legislation
  • Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • Role of local governments and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in disaster management.
  • International cooperation and disaster relief.
8. Technological and Financial Mechanisms
  • Use of technology in disaster management: GIS, remote sensing, mobile technology.
  • Funding mechanisms: State and central government funds, international aid.
9. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response
  • Principles of humanitarian assistance.
  • Coordination between government, military, and NGOs during disasters.
10. Health and Disaster Management
  • Impact of disasters on public health.
  • Preparedness and response for health emergencies.
  • Role of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international health organisations.
11. Social Aspects
  • Gender issues in disaster management.
  • Role of media in disaster management.
  • Psychological impact of disasters and community-based support systems.
12. Disaster Management in India
  • Specific challenges and strategies for disaster management in India.
  • Success stories and best practices from Indian states.
13. International Best Practices
  • Learning from global best practices in disaster management.
  • Role of international organisations like the United Nations, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.

Disaster Management Previous Year Questions

Reviewing previous years' UPSC Mains GS 3 question papers is crucial for understanding the types of questions asked in the Disaster Management section. These questions help prioritize important topics and provide insight into the required depth of knowledge. Here are some previous years' Disaster Management questions from UPSC Mains GS Paper 3:
Disaster Management Previous Year Questions Year Word Limit Marks
 Q.1 What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).  2024   250 Words  15
 Q.2 Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods.  2024  250 Words  15
Q.3 Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures. 2023 150 Words 10
Q.4 Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. 2022 150 Words 10
Q.5 Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention components of the important components of National Landslide Risk Management strategy. 2021 250 Words 15
Q.6 Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. 2021 150 Words 15
Q.7 Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. 2020 250 Words 15
Q.8 Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impact and its threat to people. How and why can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different type of vulnerability with reference to disasters. 2019 150 Words 10
Q.9 Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. 2019 150 Words 10
Q.10 Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘ Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? 2018 250 Words 15
Q.11 On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on 14 countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for the occurrence of Tsunami and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. 2017 250 Words 15
Q.12 The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall has increased over the years. Discussing the reason for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. 2016 200 Words 12.5
Q.13 With reference to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of the recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand. 2016 200 Words 12.5
Q.14 The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects. 2015 200 Words 12.5

Preparing for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains

Preparing for Disaster Management in UPSC Mains involves a structured approach. Start by understanding the 2025 syllabus. Use key study materials like 'PW UPSC Wallah Disaster Management ' and Disaster Management Notes by PWOnlyIAS and learn Important Topics for Disaster Management in UPSC Mains 2025. Follow these steps to effectively prepare for this crucial subject:

1. Understand the Syllabus :

Get to know the key areas of the UPSC Syllabus 2025 for Disaster Management.

2. Study Material

Gather standard reference books and materials, such as:
  • Disaster Management by PWOnlyIAS: UPSC Wallah Disaster Management Book for comprehensive UPSC preparation.
  • Disaster Management Notes by PWOnlyIAS: A compilation of all important topics for effective preparation and time-saving.
  • NCERT Books: Geography textbooks of Class 11 and 12.
  • ARC Report: 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) Report on Crisis Management.
  • IGNOU Notes: Study materials from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
  • NDMA Guidelines: Documents and guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority.
  • Yojana and Kurukshetra Magazines: Articles on disaster management.

3. Make Notes

Create concise notes on each topic. Use bullet points, flowcharts, and diagrams to summarise information. This will help in quick revisions.

4. Current Affairs

Keep yourself updated with recent disasters and their management. Read newspapers, government reports, and follow news portals. Websites like PIB, The Hindu, and Indian Express are good sources.

5. Case Studies

Prepare case studies of major disasters in India and worldwide. Focus on causes, impacts, and management strategies. Examples include:
  • 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
  • 2013 Uttarakhand Floods.
  • 2015 Nepal Earthquake.
  • Cyclone Fani (2019).
  • COVID-19 pandemic response.

6. Diagrams and Maps

Practice drawing diagrams, maps, and flowcharts related to disaster management. These can include:
  • Disaster risk maps.
  • Cyclone and earthquake-prone zones in India.
  • Flowcharts of disaster response mechanisms.

7. Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers

Solve previous years' UPSC mains question papers and take mock tests. This will help you understand the exam pattern and improve answer-writing skills.
 Get the guidance for the UPSC Mains answer writing. Join the UPSC online courses offered by Physics Wallah and master this art!

Important Topics for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains FAQs

What are the important topics of Disaster Management for UPSC 2025?

Important topics for UPSC 2025 Disaster Management include types of disasters, mitigation strategies, risk reduction frameworks, recent case studies, and roles of institutions like NDMA and NIDM.

How to prepare Disaster Management for UPSC Mains 2025?

To prepare for Disaster Management in UPSC Mains, focus on understanding the National Disaster Management Framework, disaster response strategies, case studies, and international best practices. Practice writing answers with a focus on policies, governance, and mitigation measures.

What is the weightage of disaster management in UPSC?

Disaster Management is important in UPSC exams, covered in Paper IV (General Studies III). Paper IV is of 250 marks and includes topics such as Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.

How many questions come from disaster management in UPSC?

In UPSC exams, typically one to two questions are asked annually on Disaster Management.

Which source is best for Disaster Management for UPSC Mains?

For UPSC Mains, NCERT textbooks (Class 9-12) provide a solid foundation in Disaster Management. PWonlyIAS's 'UPSC Wallah Disaster Management Book' and their notes offer comprehensive insights, along with National Disaster Management Guidelines and NDRF reports for current case studies.
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