GS Paper III · Disaster Management
Landslides Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper III)
From the syllabus: Disaster and disaster management
Why it matters: Aspirants must study slope stability factors, unscientific construction practices in hilly regions, and effective hazard zoning techniques to minimize casualties.
In the news
September 2026
27 Sep 2026
The Debate Over Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive AreasThe draft notification based on the Kasturirangan Committee report on the Western Ghats continues to face stiff resistance from Karnataka, which has repeatedly rejected the designation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs). Experts...
27 Sep 2026
Karnataka Urged to Reconsider Stance on Kasturirangan ReportEnvironmental experts have urged the Karnataka state government not to reject the Kasturirangan Committee framework on the Western Ghats. The report advocates designating approximately 37% of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive...
06 Sep 2026
High-Altitude Rock-Ice Avalanches Trigger Fatal Floods in NepalA massive ice and rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border triggered a catastrophic flash flood within minutes, causing widespread loss of life and devastation downstream. Scientists noted that the sudden failure of mountain slopes...
July 2026
23 Jul 2026
The Ecological Cost of Infrastructure: The Sikkim Tunnel AccidentThe recent tunnel accident in Sikkim has renewed safety concerns regarding major infrastructure development in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region. Experts emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive Environmental Impact...
14 Jul 2026
Human failure and natural calamity led to Wayanad debris slipAn editorial analysis of the recent Wayanad debris slip highlights that the disaster was a result of a 'perfect storm' involving extreme weather and human-led ecological degradation. It calls for better land-use planning and the...
14 Jul 2026
Wayanad Debris Slip Highlights Ecological Vulnerability of Western GhatsRecent debris slips and landslides in Wayanad have re-ignited the debate on the ecological vulnerability of the Western Ghats. Environmentalists argue that while heavy rainfall acts as the immediate trigger, the scale of devastation is...
12 Jul 2026
Wayanad Debris Flow Re-emphasizes Need for Early Warning SystemsRecent debris slips and landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have brought renewed focus on the urgent need to develop advanced early warning systems for the Western Ghats. Experts point out that a combination of extreme rainfall and...
08 Jul 2026
Wayanad Tunnel Project Paused Amid Ecological HazardsThe Kerala government has suspended work on the Wayanad tunnel road project following a devastating debris slip at the construction site that claimed multiple lives. Environmentalists and geologists have long warned that large-scale...
Practise Landslides
7 of our latest questions on this topic.
Question 1 of 7
Sudden high-velocity flash floods in the upper Himalayas caused by slope collapses, ice-rock avalanches, or breach of moraine dams are classified under which category of hazards?
Mains practice
The recurring landslides and debris slips in the Western Ghats highlight gaps in localized hazard mapping and early warning systems. Analyze the ecological vulnerabilities of this region and suggest a framework of structural and non-structural measures needed to mitigate disaster risks.
15 marks
The recurring landslide disasters associated with mega-infrastructure projects in fragile ecosystems like the Western Ghats call for a re-evaluation of our development paradigm. Critically examine the efficacy of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in balancing developmental goals with ecological security in India.
15 marks
The recurring disasters in the Western Ghats highlight the deep conflict between infrastructure expansion and ecological conservation. Evaluate the environmental vulnerabilities of this ecologically sensitive region and suggest measures for adopting science-based, risk-informed development practices.
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.