What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?

Theme

T37 Polar regions: Arctic resources, tundra & India's interest

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions ask why India is interested in the Arctic, the economic and environmental impacts of Arctic oil, and tundra's fragility.

What to cover

• Arctic: new sea routes, resources, climate science, India's Arctic Policy, Himadri station
• Environmental risks of Arctic exploitation
• Tundra ecology and economic value

Writing the answer

• Balance economic gain against ecological risk

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 3 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.