UPSC Themes

UPSC CSE Mains 2025 · GS1 · 15 marks · 250 words

Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves?

Theme

T36 Oil & gas: global distribution, shale, refineries

What UPSC asks in this theme

UPSC asks about world distribution of oil (on-shore vs off-shore), multi-dimensional impacts of uneven distribution, shale gas in India, and why refineries are located away from oil fields.

What to cover

Writing the answer

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 4 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.

On the map

Map module 4: World physical frameworkMap module 6: Resources & agricultureMap module 7: Industry & infrastructure

More PYQs from this theme

  1. GS12021

    Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world.

  2. GS12017

    Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.

  3. GS12013

    It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.

All 20 GS1 2025 questions · Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography & Society · Report a typo