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.

Theme

T28 Earthquakes, tsunamis & volcanoes: science to preparedness

What UPSC asks in this theme

GS1 asks how and where tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes occur (Circum-Pacific belt, 2021 eruptions); GS3 asks India's vulnerability, major quakes and preparedness gaps. Prepare the science and the management together.

What to cover

• Plate boundaries and Ring of Fire; volcano types and effects
• Tsunami formation and the 2004 tsunami
• India's seismic zones; major quakes (Latur, Bhuj, Kashmir, Sikkim, Nepal 2015)
• Preparedness: NDMA guidelines, building codes, early warning (INCOIS), drills

Writing the answer

• Start with the mechanism, then impact, then preparedness — this sequence answers both GS1 and GS3 versions

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 6 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.