UPSC Prelims 2018 CSAT Paper II · Q52 of 58 Comprehension medium

Passage

The Arctic's vast reserves of fossil fuel, fish and minerals are now accessible for a longer period in a year. But unlike Antarctica, which is protected from exploitation by the Antarctic Treaty framed during the Cold War and is not subject to territorial claims by any country, there is no legal regime protecting the Arctic from industrialization, especially at a time when the world craves for more and more resources. The distinct possibility of ice-free summer has prompted countries with Arctic coastline to scramble for great chunks of the melting ocean.

Which one of the following is the most important implication of the passage?

  1. (a) India can have territorial claims in the Arctic territory and free access to its resources.
  2. (b) Melting of summer ice in the Arctic leads to changes in the geopolitics. ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) The Arctic region will solve the world's future problem of resource crunch.
  4. (d) The Arctic region has more resources than Antarctica.

Why the answer is (b)

• The passage highlights that the Arctic's fossil fuel, fish, and mineral reserves are becoming accessible for a longer period due to melting ice.

• It contrasts the Arctic with Antarctica, noting that while Antarctica is protected by a treaty and free from territorial claims, the Arctic lacks a similar legal regime against industrialization.

• The text explicitly states that the possibility of an ice-free summer has prompted countries with Arctic coastlines to 'scramble for great chunks' of the region.

• This scramble for resources and territory in the absence of a protective legal framework indicates a shift in strategic interests and power dynamics among nations.

• Therefore, the most important implication is that the melting of summer ice is driving changes in the geopolitics of the region.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) India can have territorial claims in the Arctic territory and free access to its…
The passage does not mention India or suggest that any specific non-Arctic state can claim territory or free access to resources.
(c) The Arctic region will solve the world's future problem of resource crunch.
The passage states that resources are accessible and in demand, but it does not claim the Arctic will solve the world's future resource crunch.
(d) The Arctic region has more resources than Antarctica.
The passage compares the legal protection status of the two regions, not the quantity of resources, and does not state that the Arctic has more resources than Antarctica.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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