Geography Optional · PYQ solutions
Geography Optional PYQs with Solutions (2013–2026)
Every Geography Optional previous year question since 2013, solved the way a 300+ scorer writes it, with diagrams and maps, and arranged by paper and syllabus unit so you can see what UPSC keeps asking. Read the free notes for a unit, then check the solved questions beside them.
750+
Solved PYQs
20
Syllabus units
2013–2026
Years covered
Topic-wise
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Jump to a unit — Paper I · Physical Geography
Geomorphology Climatology Oceanography Biogeography Environmental Geography
Paper I · Human Geography
Perspectives in Human Geography Economic Geography Population and Settlement Geography Regional Planning Models, Theories and Laws
Paper II · Geography of India
Physical Setting Resources Agriculture Industry Transport, Communication and Trade Cultural Setting Settlements Regional Development and Planning Political Aspects Contemporary Issues
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Just added
Recent Geography Optional PYQ solutions.
New answers are added through the year. The latest nine are here; every unit below lists its full set.
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Elaborate partition of Indian subcontinent and international migration in detail.
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Analyse the measuring patterns of settlement in relation to the Nearest Neighbour Index and Rank-Size-Rule in detail.
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“The majority of migrants go only a short distance.” Explain with examples.
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Discuss the Geometry of Land Values in Urban Community and delimiting the Central Business District (CBD) in detail.
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“Under what situations Von Thunen’s model of agricultural location is still rational.” Justify with examples.
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Explain the Rimland Theory with reference to ongoing geopolitical scenario in the world.
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What are the approaches of human development? Describe in detail the measures for computing human development index.
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What are the principles of urban planning? Critically analyse town planning in India in the post independence period.
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“Sustainable development requires Intergenerational and Intragenerational equity.” Comment with examples.
Syllabus map
Paper I · Physical Geography
Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Biogeography, Environmental Geography.
Unit 01
Geomorphology
PYQ Solutions
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Explain weathering and mass wasting, and describe their geomorphic significance.
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Describe the process of formation of barrier islands and explain their significance.
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Explain the causes of glacial lake outburst floods.
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What geological and tectonic processes lead to the formation of nappes in orogenic belts?
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How does denudation chronology help in understanding the sequential development of landscapes and landforms? Elucidate.
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“The Himalaya is still rising.” Expand this statement and describe the processes involved in it with suitable sketches and diagrams.
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What are ‘truncated spurs’? Where and how are they formed?
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Examine the recent views on mountain building process and divide the world mountains on the basis of their genesis.
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What is a Yazoo stream? Why are Yazoo basins the areas of repeated flooding? Give examples of Yazoo stream/areas from various parts of the world.
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What is “Geostrophic Wind”? Explain the relationship between barometric slope and air circulation.
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“Evidences from palaeomagnetism and sea floor spreading have validated that continents and ocean basins have never been stationary.” Elucidate with suitable diagrams.
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Define Peneplains. Describe the landscape features associated with peneplains under different geomorphic cycles.
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Define Speleothem. Discuss the various forms and features of speleothem.
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Explain how various aspects of channel morphology are used in transportation, settlement and land use planning, flood control and flood management?
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Discuss the role of Slope, Altitude and Relief (SAR) in landscape development.
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With the help of suitable sketches describe the mountain genesis and mountain types. Give suitable examples from various mountain systems of the world.
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Describe the concept of Altiplanation.
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The concept of Plate Tectonics has been derived from the Isostasy and Continental Drift Theory. Elaborate citing suitable examples.
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Stream basins and drainage divides are important components to delineate a watershed area. Explain.
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Why is mapping important for analyzing geo-hydrological investigations? Explain with relevant examples.
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Write an essay on the evolution of continents and oceans using various theories and models.
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Discuss the problems of erosional surfaces and explain the different methods to identify them with suitable diagrams.
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Describe phreatic eruptions and their consequences.
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How are sand spits and tombolos formed?
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Compare and contrast different types of plate boundaries.
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Discuss the methods of measuring the intensity and magnitude of earthquakes. How are seismic zones demarcated?
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“Landscape is a function of structure, process and stage.” Critique the statement.
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Evaluate how far Kober’s geosyncline theory explains the mountain building process.
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“Geomorphological changes are largely responsible for environmental hazards in the Himalayan region.” Comment with relevant examples.
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“The knowledge of slope analysis has limited field application in the slope management.” Explain.
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Discuss the concept of Periglacial cycle as propounded by Peltier.
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“Climate, slope gradient and rock structure influence the avulsion of channels.” Explain.
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Write a note on pseudovolcanic features.
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Describe the “Basket of Eggs topography”.
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“In explaining the concept of ‘Pediplanation’, King combined the ideas of Davis, Penck and Wood with his own.” Elaborate.
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“Geological structure has a dominant control on landforms and is reflected on them.” Discuss.
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Attempt a classification of geomorphic process from the zonal point of view.
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Discuss the contribution of the American school of subaerial Denudation in geomorphology.
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Explain with examples as to how channel dynamics has been responsible for the development of alluvial fans and cones.
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“Present-day landforms bear more complexity than simplicity”. Elucidate.
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State the concept of erosion surfaces and highlight the factors responsible for their development.
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State the concept of plate tectonics. How does it help in explaining the formation of the Himalayas and Appalachian Mountains?
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Define the term ‘meander’ and describe the basic characteristics of entrenched meander and ingrown meander.
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Write short note: Impact of Pleistocene Ice age on the crust of the Earth.
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Write short note: Differences between Normal cycle and Arid cycle of Davis.
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What is ‘Helical’ flow? How Helical flow accounts for meander modifications?
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“Environmental geomorphology deals with the impact of natural landforms and processes.” Elucidate with suitable examples.
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What is scarification? List out various impacts and examples of scarification on land.
Unit 02
Climatology
PYQ Solutions
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Examine the distribution and balance of energy in the Earth’s atmosphere system.
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Examine the formation of atmospheric tricellular circulation system. Describe how this system has been created considering the Earth a living planet.
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Explain the relationship between air masses and local winds.
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Explain air masses and associated weather dynamics. How do air masses influence the weather conditions of the Northern Hemisphere?
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Describe latitudinal distribution of Köppen’s classification of world climate.
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Formation of temperate cyclone depends on the condition of axis of dilation. Elucidate.
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How does inversion of temperature occur? Explain its significance on local weather with suitable examples.
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What are the causes of origin of local winds? Discuss their significance on prevailing weather and climate in various regions, with suitable examples.
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Explain the characteristics and weather conditions associated with ‘Anticyclones’ giving suitable examples.
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Describe how short-term variations in temperature are related to the processes of receiving energy from the sun to the Earth’s surface and dissipating it to the atmosphere.
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The rise of surface temperature brings severe consequences. Elaborate on the potential changes and threats associated with it in the world.
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With suitable examples describe the impacts of the movement of air masses on weather and winds in different parts of the continents.
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What is a pollution dome? Discuss its formation and impacts.
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Indicating the causes of lightning, describe the threats associated with it.
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Examine major influencing factors for varied patterns of precipitations on the continents.
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What are the important factors responsible for Airmass modifications?
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Explain the characteristic features of frontogenesis and frontolysis.
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Explain how various factors influence the origin and development of the Indian monsoon system.
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Write a geographical note on Halloween storm.
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Write short note: Differentiate Storm Surges and Seiches
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With suitable examples, bring out the impact of local winds on the climate of an area
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Discuss Dew point and various forms of condensation
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Bring out the relationship between climate and vegetation in the Mountain Biome
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Discuss the salient features of ‘sirocco’ and ‘mistral’.
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Describe the origin and development of thunderstorms with examples.
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Discuss the nature and origin of Indian monsoon and recent techniques of its prediction.
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Discuss as to how frontogenesis contributes to weather instability.
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What is Potential Evapotranspiration? Explain how it is used in assessing the water balance in an area.
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Discuss the basis of Koppen’s climatic classification of ‘Cs’ type of climate.
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Explain the meridional circulation of the atmosphere and its importance in world climate.
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Differentiate between insolation and temperature and explain anomalous temperature.
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Compare the origin and weather condition associated with the tropical and temperate cyclones.
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Discuss the significance of World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and its core projects in the understanding of climatic change.
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Discuss the forces which govern the air movement on the Earth’s surface.
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“Climate change is a reality.” Explain with suitable examples.
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Explain the role of evaporation in the hydrologic cycle.
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Critically examine the basis and scheme of climatic classification proposed by G.T. Trewartha.
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Explain the origin, progress and retreat of the Indian monsoon and discuss its impact on the Indian economy.
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Explain the techniques to calculate potential evapotranspiration suggested by Thornthwaite.
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Explain the nature of urban climates and their impact on global environmental change.
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Discuss in detail the tri-cellular model of atmospheric circulation.
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Define ‘pseudo monsoon’ and explain its spatial distribution.
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Describe the general characteristics and structure of a thunderstorm and suggest suitable classification of thunderstorm.
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Examine the importance of the axis of dilation of air masses in frontogenesis and the origin of Temperate cyclones.
Unit 03
Oceanography
PYQ Solutions
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What is “Base level”? Explain the types of base level.
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“Offshore Acoustic Study helped the development of the concept of sea floor spreading”. Explain.
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Compare the Subsidence and Glacial control theories on the formation of coral reefs.
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Illustrate the origin and nature of Sargasso Sea and Lagoon.
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Give a critical account of reasons and consequences of marine pollution.
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Give an account of recent observations on coral bleaching with reference to Clive Wilkinson’s Report.
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Describe the characteristics of different types of pelagic deposits.
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Discuss Maritime Zones.
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“The relationship between the winds and the currents is best seen in the Indian Ocean.” Justify.
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Bring out the various ecological problems associated with the exploitation and use of oceans and their resources.
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Distinguish between low energy coasts and coral coasts.
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Discuss the impacts of ocean currents on air mass behaviour.
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Explain the concept of micro carbon sink and its relevance.
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Describe the configuration of the Pacific Ocean floor.
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Describe the causes and consequences of sea level changes.
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Describe the potential marine energy resources with reference to their benefits, harvestability and environmental impacts.
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How are ocean waves formed? Distinguish between a wave of oscillation and a wave of translation.
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Marine resources are economically very significant. Discuss citing suitable examples.
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Discuss the concept of coral bleaching, its recovery and microalgal regime shifts due to this process.
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Explain the currents of the North Atlantic Ocean and their significant role in the climate of western Europe.
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Discuss the hazards associated with the rising of sea surface temperature.
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Give a detailed account of the bottom topography of the Pacific Ocean.
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Maritime security is being neglected. Indicate the major challenges and suggest solutions in the context of the Law of Sea.
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When corals are affected by stress it causes them to turn completely white. Explain the reasons of such an occurence.
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What is the relationship between ocean currents and global surface wind systems? Explain with examples how does the gyre in the Northern Hemisphere differ from the one in the Southern Hemisphere.
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What is ocean ranching? How are aqua-cowboys related to such activities?
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How are ocean currents generated? Discuss their effects on coastal climates with special reference to the Pacific Ocean.
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Give an account of marine resources and their economic significance. How has marine pollution affected such resources?
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With suitable examples explain the factors causing sea level changes.
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With suitable sketches elaborate the bottom topography of the Indian Ocean.
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What are the fundamental differences among ocean wave, ocean current and tide?
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What is deep-sea mining? What are the potential benefits and risks associated with it?
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How are seamounts and Guyots the same and different? Comment.
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Discuss the potential consequences of the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) for the world.
Unit 04
Biogeography
PYQ Solutions
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Write short note: Types of endemic plants and their degree of vulnerability to extinction.
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State the uniqueness of the Eurasian Steppe Biome.
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Define zoogeographic region. Also describe the basic faunal makeup of the Neo-Arctic zoogeographic region.
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Classify soils based on their zonal distribution and describe the characteristics of pedocals.
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Bring out the ecological significance of Tropical Rainforest Biome.
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Describe Newbigin’s scheme of Floristic regions of the world and explain the Mediterranean Floristic region.
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Describe the characteristics of biological deserts.
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Distinguish between the characteristics of Chernozem and Sierozem soils.
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Give a classification of plants based on the amount of water requirement.
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Distinguish between intrazonal and azonal soils. Describe in brief the characteristics and importance of azonal soils.
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Discuss the causes of degradation of tropical rainforests and suggest remedial measures for their prevention, conservation and development.
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How are soil acidity and alkalinity related to soil fertility?
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Which factors influence the growth of wild plants in India? Discuss their economic significance.
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Land use/Land cover and soil types influence forage quantity and quality in semi-arid regions of the world. Discuss with relevant examples.
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Gene pool centres are Good Hope for biodiversity conservation. Elucidate.
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Soil erosion and Soil degradation are threats to the food supply. Discuss.
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Well developed soils typically exhibit distinct layers in their soil profile. Elaborate.
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Explain the natural processes of soil enrichment and its impact on food production.
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Differentiate between the characteristics of organic horizons and mineral horizons in a generalised soil profile.
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Examine the impacts of social forestry in socio-economic transformation of rural areas.
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“Soil erosion is creeping death.” Explaining the statement, suggest various soil conservation measures.
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What is solifluction? What are its impacts?
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What are the ecological consequences of agricultural deforestation in the Amazon and Congo Basins, particularly concerning biodiversity and climate regulation?
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How a ‘Solum’ as a concept different from ‘Pedon’? Describe.
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“Overgrazing has become an alarming situation of bioloss in many bio-geographical regions of the world.” Illustrate with examples.
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How does the annual variations in temperature and precipitation influence plants growth, development and distribution? How do animals cope up with variations in climate?
Unit 05
Environmental Geography
PYQ Solutions
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What is the ‘UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’? How does it balance ecological goals with emerging socio-economic needs like food security and development?
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Man and wildlife conflicts are ever increasing. Discuss its causes, consequences and remedial measures.
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“The latitudinal gradient in species richness is an important geographic trend in biodiversity.” Examine the statement.
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How is carbon neutrality essential for future environmental conservation? Describe various efforts taken by nations in this regard.
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Perception, Attitude, Value and Emotion (PAVE) are important components for biodiversity and sustainable environmental conservation. Elaborate.
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Mountain regions are more fragile to ecological changes. Elucidate.
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What are the factors affecting regional ecological changes? How do these affect human health?
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What are the environmental implications of economic geology? Discuss.
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How is Deep Ecology’ as a concept different from ‘Shallow Ecology’ ? Explain
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Plants and animals that exist in a particular ecosystem are those that have been successful in adjusting to their habitat and environmental conditions. Elucidate with examples.
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What are the high altitude environmental hazards? Explain with suitable examples.
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With suitable examples, elaborate human ecological adaptations. Explain its impacts on ecology and the environment in various parts of the world.
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Explaining the concept of carbon neutrality, describe the measures taken by carbon positive and negative nations.
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Sequential changes in land use and land cover have brought global and regional ecological changes and imbalances.
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Discuss the human response to and management of hazards and disasters in India.
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“Human ecology is the study of the mutual relationship of people and their environment both natural and social.” Discuss in detail using ecological concepts.
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Describe How ecosystem services of Himalaya are essential for Highland-Lowland sustainability in Asia.
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Explain the effects and causes of deforestation and its impact on the pattern of agriculture in India.
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Discuss the problems associated with the living environment in million-plus cities in India. How can these be managed?
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The impact of floods on life and property can be most effectively reduced by hazard mapping. Comment.
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“The web of life is seamless and the consequences of disruption to one part of the ecosystem ripple throughout the whole.” Elaborate.
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Why is it necessary to conserve the genetic diversity of species? Do protected areas serve any useful purpose in this context?
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How do mountaineers constitute a threat to Mount Everest?
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Amensalism is a biotic factor that determines the geographic limits of species. Explain.
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Explain the ecosystem approach to environmental management and highlight its advantages and disadvantages.
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“Controlling population growth is the sustainable solution to environmental problems.” Express your views with suitable arguments.
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Discuss the objectives and principles of environmental education. Describe the basic concerns of formal and non-formal environmental education in India.
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Explain the natural and anthropogenic causes and mitigation measures of frequent flooding in Mumbai.
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Discuss the Perception, Attitude, Value and Emotion (PAVE) Theory of environmental management.
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Discuss the major characteristics of ‘CBD’.
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Write a critical note on the tendency of “use and throw” in the context of economic status and the environment.
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Give a reasoned account on how the impact of Global Warming differs from one part of the Earth to the other.
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Explain the hydro-meteorological hazards in the Himalayas.
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Explain the different stages of ecological adaptation of man and bring out the changing balance between man and environment.
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Discuss the method of conserving biodiversity for sustainable development.
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Comment on the impact of environmental education on quality of life.
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Explain the characteristics of ecological succession.
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Enumerate the major causes of increasing degradation of environment in hills and hillslopes, and state its down-valley impact.
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Give an account of the nature of biosphere as an ecosystem.
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Ellen Churchill Semple is an ardent supporter of Determinism.” Explain.
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Explain the levels of Noise pollution and legislative measures to control it.
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“What are the characteristics that make CHC a serious threat to the ecosystem? Give examples.”
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Write short note: Uniqueness of fauna in the Notogean realm.
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With suitable examples describe the hazards of flood plain settlement.
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“Anthropogenic impacts have caused major global and regional changes and imbalances in ecosystem.” Elucidate with examples.
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Construction of large dams poses serious challenges. Describe the threats and solutions associated with it.
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Write an essay on disease and global warming according to the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Syllabus map
Paper I · Human Geography
Perspectives in Human Geography, Economic Geography, Population and Settlement Geography, Regional Planning, Models, Theories and Laws.
Unit 06
Perspectives in Human Geography
PYQ Solutions
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How have dichotomy and dualism affected the methodological development of Geography? Describe.
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Why did the Welfare Approach in Human Geography emerge as a significant perspective in 1970s?
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Explain how the physical view of geographical space has impacted the forms of spatial analysis.
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Critically examine the significance of Behavioural Approach in the development of human geography.
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Explain the sequential development of areal differentiation as a fundamental concept in Human Geography.
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Critically examine the significance of the Quantitative Revolution and its influence in the development of Geography.
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“Culture is a dynamic concept”. Elucidate with example
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Analyse the effects of Globalisation on languages.
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Why is radicalism seen as major a paradigm shift in geography? Explain its causes, approaches, and criticism.
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The interrelationships between the social and spatial structure are complex. Explain in the context of socio-spatial dialectic.
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Write an essay on gender equity and equality in India in the context of balanced human development.
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Globalization can often subsumed folk culture. What are its positive and negative effects?
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HDI has brought about a paradigm shift in the way people think about the development process. Critically examine the inherent limitations of HDI.
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“A language originates at a particular place and diffuses to other locations through the migration of its speakers.” Examine this statement in the context of language hot spots and endangered language hotspots.
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Discuss critically the manner in which quantitative revolution provided the methodological foundation for models and modeling in geography.
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“Welfare geography emphasizes spatial inequality and territorial justice.” Comment with reference to the main ideas and scope of the subfield.
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“Areal differentiation has provided the theoretical justification for studying „regions and regional geography. Comment.
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“Geography is a contested and multi paradigmatic discipline with a strong eurocentricity that has only recently been challenged.” Comment.
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Discuss the contemporary paradigms of Geography.
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“The traditional cultural identities are at loss write the growth of global connectivity.” Explain.
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Explain the concept of Time-Geography.
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Discuss the relevance of ‘Stop and Go Determinism’ in the present-day context.
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Trace the origin and progress of Quantitative Revolution in Geography and bring out its merits and demerits.
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“Areal differentiation forms the core theme in Geography.” Explain.
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“There is a rejuvenation of environmentalism as a paradigm in geographical studies.” Comment.
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Discuss the approaches to the study of behavioural geography.
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“Cultural regions are the most suited units to study the diversity of an area.” Comment.
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“Regional synthesis is the crux of geographical studies.” Elaborate.
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“The welfare face of geography makes it an inter disciplinary subject.” Elaborate.
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“Indo-Gangetic hearth is considered to be one of the world’s richest cultural realms.” Examine.
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Discuss the contribution of geographers in the development of radical geography.
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Elaborate the concept of mental map.
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Explain the parameters for assessment and the spatial pattern of Human Development Index in the world.
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“Systematic Geography is essentially analytical and makes generic concepts and Universal Laws.” Elucidate with examples.
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What are the main concerns of radical geography? Describe the salient features and objectives of radicalism in geography.
Unit 07
Economic Geography
PYQ Solutions
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Write short note: Role of Venezuela in the production and export of oil.
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Write short note: Countries most effected in case of shut down of Nuclear power.
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Discuss the changing pattern of production and export of Coffee in the world.
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Analyse the reasons for a comparatively poorer development of fishing grounds in tropical areas.
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Analyse the causes for changes in the pattern of world trade.
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Give an account of food security issues in developing countries.
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Explain the relevance of bottom-up and top-down approaches in the development of agrarian economy.
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Discuss environmental and economic problems associated with coal production.
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“World is passing through a global resource dilemma.” Comment.
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“Food productivity with purity of ecosystem is the need of the hour.” Elaborate.
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“Energy mix is a step towards sustainability.” Discuss.
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“Man-induced famines are becoming more common than nature-induced one.” Comment.
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“Linkages between resource-endowed regions and resource-utilizing regions determine the pattern of international trade.” Elaborate with suitable examples.
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“Whittlesey’s agricultural regions are relevant even today.” Discuss.
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“The intensity of energy crisis varies regionally.” Explain.
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Discuss the degree of importance of transportation costs as a factor of industrial location with respect to “footloose industries”.
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“Famine is a social phenomenon rooted in institutional and political economic arrangements, which determine access to food by different classes and strata.” Comment.
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Discuss in brief the main thesis in “Limits to Growth” (1972) and also provide a critique of the same.
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“A large-scale global shift in manufacturing is the outcome of deindustrialization in the developed world matched by industrialization in the developing world.” Analyse this statement.
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Distinguish between ‘isodapanes’ and isotims’. Critically examine the least cost theory of industrial location given by Alfred Weber.
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Define stunting and wasting. Why are these more prevalent among children in developing countries?
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Analyse India’s food security in the context of population growth.
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Identify the causes and effects of energy crisis, and suggest suitable measures to solve the problem.
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“Land degradation is a threat to productivity and sustainable resource management” Explain with suitable examples from India.
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Analyse the dynamics of industrial location in the metropolitan cities of India.
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How is energy transition seen as an instrument for achieving zero carbon by 2050?
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Protected cultivation assists in healthier and larger produce. Justify with examples.
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Describe the role of accessibility and affordability in the food security of the developing world.
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Small number of mega-cities are playing a key role in organization of global economics and culture. Explain.
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Aging population has adverse social and economic consequences. Explain with examples.
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“Shifting global trade patterns create new opportunities”. Examine this statement.
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“Automation is rapidly changing the economies of labour and will affect trade patterns in significant ways”. Clarify.
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Climate change is a serious problem to global food security and poverty eradication Critically examine.
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Explain in detail the impact of regional disparities on economic development.
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Discuss critically food and nutrition problems associated with the developing world.
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Explain population, resource use and development nexus in the Limits to Growth Model. Why has this model been criticized intensively?
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“The stages of Demographic Transition are a reflection of uneven económic development across the globe.” Explain with suitable examples.
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“While scarcity of water resources are felt locally, but its causes are increasingly global.” Comment.
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ExpIain the basis of D. Whittlesey’s classification of agricultural regions of the world.
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Analyse the spatial changes and emerging patterns of semiconductor manufacturing in the world.
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Analyze the spatial patterns and regional specialization of plantation crops across tropical and subtropical regions.
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Why is oil important for energy security? What is the role of oil in the clean energy transition?
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Critically examine the significance of five functioning forms with regard to agricultural regions of the world proposed by D. Whittlesey.
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Discuss agricultural productivity and techniques adopted for computing efficiency in the levels of agricultural productivity.
Unit 08
Population and Settlement Geography
PYQ Solutions
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Analyze the role of demographic transition theory in explaining variations in fertility and mortality rates globally.
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The urbanisation process is particularly pronounced in Asia and Africa, where too many urban residents grapple with extreme poverty, exclusion, vulnerability and marginalisation. Discuss.
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Central Business Districts (CBDs) are in decline as the economic core of metropolitan cities. Critically examine.
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“Rural settlements are expressions of the basic relationships between human beings and their physical and social environment.”
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What is the relation between gender equity and human development? Provide a list of commonly used gender related indices.
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Explain the problems and prospects of urban expansion in the context of urban fringe in developed and developing nations.
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“The global demographic landscape is evolving with rapid population growth in some places and rapid ageing in others.” Elucidate with examples.
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Critically evaluate the role of primate cities in dominating the urban spheres of influence in developing countries.
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Human migration is a reflection of the balance between push and pull factors. Elaborate with reference to the most recent diaspora.
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Describe the regional pattern of Life Expectancy in the world and bring out the challenges faced by developing countries due to increasing life expectancy.
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Explain the concepts of “megalopolis” and “exopolis” with regard to the growth of cities indicating whether the two can and do overlap.
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Assess the challenges for countries with the largest shares of aged populations.
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How migration is affected by push and pull factors? Explain how these factors play/ a role in understanding new settlement patterns.
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Over crowding leads to chronic problem of shortage of housing in Indian cities” Explain citing relevant examples.
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Explain the concept of social capital in relation to India.
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Define the quality of life and explain its parameters with adequate examples.
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What do you mean by ‘climate migrants’? Suggest appropriate policies and programmes for their resettlement.
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Explain the relationship between net reproductive rate (NRR) and true replacement level of population.
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Cortication examine the theories on population migration.
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Discuss the role of site in determining the types and patterns of rural settlements.
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Provide an account of world population transition in the context of fertility decline and socio-economic development.
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Factors in internal migration are often based on perceptions rather than reality. Explain.
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“In developed countries, migration rather than fertility will be the main driver of population dynamics over the next few decades.” Examine the statement.
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What is Transnationalism? Why has the scale and scope of transnational linkages of diaspora multiplied in recent times?
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“Where economic growth is sustained over long time periods, its incidence works towards a progressive integration of the space economy.” Elucidate.
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Distinguish between mobility and migration. What are the causes and consequences of rural to urban migration in India?
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Examine the morphological factors that influence the origin and growth of town.
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Examine the relevance of the Central Place Theory of Christaller in the present context.
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Citing examples from Asia and Europe, comment upon the contexts within which pro natalist population policies are advanced. What could be the implications of these policies on women’s workforce participation?
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Comment upon the contributions of D.M. Smith in outlining ‘welfare’ as a key focus in the geographies of social well-being.
-
Examine the causes and consequences of forced migration of population in the present context.
-
“There are considerable demographic similarities between West European nations and Japan.” Explain.
-
Discuss Nelson’s method of functional classification of towns.
-
Discuss the factors responsible for counter-urbanisation.
-
“Urban Geography is nothing but city “in” area and city “as” area.” Elaborate.
-
What are Geriatrics? What are the problems associated with Geriatric population?
-
Write short note: Mishra’s theoretical stages of Rural-Urban process.
-
Discuss the Geometry of Land Values in Urban Community and delimiting the Central Business District (CBD) in detail.
-
“The majority of migrants go only a short distance.” Explain with examples.
-
Analyse the measuring patterns of settlement in relation to the Nearest Neighbour Index and Rank-Size-Rule in detail.
-
Elaborate partition of Indian subcontinent and international migration in detail.
Unit 09
Regional Planning
PYQ Solutions
-
Analyze the role of language and religion in delineating major cultural regions of the world.
-
How do regional components make the (regional synthesis) in spatial arrangement? Explain.
-
‘Regional imbalances are the product of socio-economic factors.’ Elucidate with examples.
-
What is complementary region? With reference to hierarchy of settlements, describe the different types of complementary regions as proposed by Christaller.
-
Assess the criteria required for selecting regions for developmental planning?
-
There is a need for gender-sensitive regional development. Elaborate.
-
Describe the concept of Planning Region. Explain the environmental and economic factors in the creation of such regions.
-
How can Sustainable Land Management (SLM) harmonise the complimentary goals of environmental, economic and social opportunities? Discuss.
-
Discuss the different types of polarisation induced spatial inequalities and imbalances associated with growth poles.
-
Discuss the role of transportation accessibility in regional development.
-
Suggest criteria, indicators, and techniques for delimitation of formal regions.
-
The environmental issues are not adequately addressed in the regional planning. Comment.
-
Development-induced displacement poses serious challenges. Mention its causes, consequences, and solutions.
-
Explain the processes of contagion and hierarchical diffusion in addressing regional imbalances.
-
Discuss the concept of urban resilience in the context of planning for sustainable development with reference to towns and cities of India.
-
What are natural regions? How are they different from planning regions?
-
“Growth is not uniform in different places.” Critically examine this statement in the context of the growth pole theory.
-
Examine the role of small towns in the regional development process.
-
Give an account on sustainable development and its components.
-
In what ways can geographers contribute towards optimal land use planning in a region?
-
What is a ‘region’? Describe ‘Thiessen’ polygon method of regional delimitation.
-
Elaborate the idea of ‘Compage’.
-
“Vital statistics are necessary ingredients for development planning.” Elaborate.
-
“Geographical traits lead to regional imbalances.” Examine.
-
“Development planning has a component of environmental cost”. Discuss.
-
Explain the qualitative and quantitative methods of delineation of the sphere of urban influence.
-
“Rural sustainability is necessary for urban sustainability.” Discuss the statement in the backdrop of integrated development approach.
-
“Urban Solid Waste Management poses the greatest challenge in Metropolitan Planning”. Elaborate.
-
“Sustainable development requires Intergenerational and Intragenerational equity.” Comment with examples.
-
What are the principles of urban planning? Critically analyse town planning in India in the post independence period.
-
What are the approaches of human development? Describe in detail the measures for computing human development index.
Unit 10
Models, Theories and Laws
PYQ Solutions
-
Write short note: relevance of Heartland theory in Contemporary World.
-
What are the basic postulates in the Central Place Model of Christaller?
-
Critically analyse application of models in Geography.
-
Explain the necessary conditions of take-off and subsequent stages of development of a nation as propounded by Rostow.
-
Giving suitable examples, describe the importance of system analysis in geographical studies.
-
“Marx’s view on population is more humanistic”. Comment.
-
Discuss the relevance of Von Thünen’s model on agricultural location in the contemporary context.
-
Explain ‘Isodapane’.
-
Discuss the application of Gravity model in Geographical studies.
-
Define and differentiate between boundaries and frontiers. Describe the geometrical boundaries with suitable examples.
-
Give a critical account of Lösch’s theory of central places.
-
Write an explanatory note on geographical systems.
-
Discuss the applicability of Christaller’s Central Place Theory.
-
“The Heartland Theory is gaining importance once again.” Comment.
-
Write a note on “forward and backward linkages” in Perroux’s thesis of economic growth and regional development.
-
Outline briefly the “age of mass consumption” as described by Rostow in his multi-stage theory of growth.
-
Provide a brief outline of ideas related to “sense of place” as propounded by Yi-Fu Tuan and Relph in humanistic geography that emerged in the 1970s.
-
Elaborate upon the influence of Marxist philosophy on geographical research outlining key themes addressed by Marxist geographers since the 1970s.
-
Discuss the genetic classification of boundaries suggested by Hartshorne.
-
Examine the relevance of the ‘rimland theory’ in the contemporary world.
-
Write a note on the relevance of Von Thünen’s agricultural location theory in the present context.
-
Compare and contrast the Malthusian and Neo-Malthusian perspectives in the context of population growth, resource use, and environmental impact.
-
In the modern world, most of the frontiers have been replaced by boundaries. Explain the reasons.
-
Discuss how and why Mackinder modified his concept of Pivot Area after the World Wars.
-
Boundaries are important in geopolitics. Explain. What issues develop from the inclusionary and exclusionary aspects of borders.
-
Present a critical account of Alfred Weber’s Theory of Industrial location.
-
Explain the geometrical boundaries with examples.
-
Explain the relevance and applicability of Von Thünen’s theory of agricultural location in today’s world.
-
Discuss the concept of ‘Rank-Size-Rule’ given by G.K. Zipf. Is this rule relevant in Indian context?
-
Has Malthusian Theory been discredited in contemporary times? Justify your answer.
-
Explain with suitable diagrams A. Lösch’s model of the Theory of Location related to Central Places. Why has this been criticized?
-
“Boundaries and frontiers have different meanings in geographical literature.” Substantiate your answer in the present context.
-
Explain the theoretical framework and stages of economic growth proposed by Rostow’s model.
-
Explain the Heartland theory with reference to contemporary geopolitical scenario of the world.
-
Why is systems analysis important in urban planning and what are its limitations?
-
Why has P. Perroux’s theory of growth pole as a model of regional growth been criticized? Explain with examples.
-
Explain the Rimland Theory with reference to ongoing geopolitical scenario in the world.
-
“Under what situations Von Thunen’s model of agricultural location is still rational.” Justify with examples.
Syllabus map
Paper II · Geography of India
Physical Setting, Resources, Agriculture, Industry, Transport, Communication and Trade, Cultural Setting, Settlements, Regional Development and Planning, Political Aspects, Contemporary Issues.
Unit 11
Physical Setting
PYQ Solutions
-
Describe the geographical conditions necessary for the growth of mangrove forests in India. Explain their ecological and economic significance.
-
Explain the vertical zonation of vegetation of the Himalayas.
-
Briefly describe the origin, distribution and economic significance of Cuddapah and Dharwar rock systems of India.
-
Explain the factors that contribute to droughts in India with specific reference to food production, distribution and availability. Can Indian agricultural policies resolve the issue?
-
Highlight the characteristics of land utilization in Eastern Ghats region of India. What are the land utilization problems in the region?
-
Referring to the location and physical formation of karewas, highlight their economic significance.
-
How are geographic factors influencing the distribution of high, annual rainfall in certain parts of India?
-
Discuss the variations in nature of glaciers in India and the emerging issues due to climate change.
-
Explain the geological characteristics and ecological significance of the Eastern Ghats.
-
Discuss the basis of various explanations for the formation of Shiwalik.
-
Incidence of extreme rainfall events and flash floods in recent times have led to devastating consequences for people living in low-lying areas and flood plains of the country. Discuss.
-
Describe the origin, distribution and economic significance of Gondwana system of rocks in India.
-
Soils of India, are clear reflections of the structure and process. Comment.
-
Critically examine the factors affecting the unpredictability of South-West Monsoon system in India.
-
How do physiography and climate of India explain the biological diversity of the country?
-
Describe the structure and relief features of the Deccan Plateau.
-
Explain the impact of tropical cyclones and western disturbances on the climate of India.
-
Describe the problems of cloud burst in India giving suitable examples.
-
Describe the salient features of the east-flowing rivers of India.
-
Discuss the economic significance of the volcanic soils of India.
-
Soil type in India, classified on the basis of colour, possess specific chemical and mineral characteristics. Discuss.
-
Climate change has unsettled the rhythm of seasons. Comment with examples and empirical evidence.
-
Present the salient features of West flowing rivers of India.
-
Discuss the rainfall pattern and correlate it with spatial distribution of natural vegetation in India.
-
Why is the Indian Monsoon erratic in nature? Explain.
-
The relationship between El Niño and the Indian monsoon is becoming complex under the conditions of global warming. Critically examine.
-
Distinguish the geographical aspects of North-Western lava plateau and Chota Nagpur Plateau of Peninsular India.
-
Explain the unusual intensity of dust storms and thunderstorms across India in the pre-monsoon period of year 2018.
-
Drainage pattern in Peninsular India is a result of its geological structure and topography. Elaborate.
-
Justify the inclusion of Meghalaya in Peninsular India and discuss its vegetation and soil types.
-
Give a reasoned account of unusual pattern of distribution of monsoonal rainfall in India in 2017.
-
Discuss the role of spatial pattern of rainfall and temperature in the delimitation of climatic regions of India especially with reference to Stamp’s climatic regionalization.
-
Describe the distribution of black soils in India and their specific use for agriculture.
-
Mention the space relationship of India with neighbouring countries.
-
Explain the shifting of river courses and river capturing in the Himalayas.
-
How does natural vegetation affect the formation of in situ soils?
-
Explain the pattern of winter rainfall in India.
-
Describe the salient climatological characteristic of Rayalaseema region.
-
Bring out the distribution of Laterite soils in India and their specific use for agriculture.
-
Discuss the mechanism of Indian Monsoon.
-
How is drainage pattern determined by the water divide?
-
Explain the topographical and structural characteristics of the Siwalik Range.
Unit 12
Resources
PYQ Solutions
-
Deforestation in the upper reaches of a river augments the magnitude of soil erosion. Elaborate your answer citing the example of any North Indian river.
-
Examine the validity of the Blue Economy initiatives of India. Elaborate the impacts of this economy on the country’s development.
-
Efficient use of energy resources can resolve the energy crisis in India. Comment.
-
Why are coral reefs in India most important with respect to its dynamic ecosystem? Explore.
-
Discuss the targets of focused interventions of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain, 2024 in rural and urban areas.
-
Water Scarcity is an important cause of disputes and conflicts in India. Suggest innovative methods for location-based solutions.
-
Conservation and breeding centres are important component of the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025. Why?
-
Why are critical minerals essential for the economic development and national security in India?
-
Discuss the green energy initiatives of India as a signatory nation to the Paris Agreement.
-
Critically examine the role of petroleum energy resources on International Geopolitics with special reference to India.
-
Discuss the impact of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 on forest conservation in India.
-
India is bestowed with rich mineral resources due to its geological structure. Correlate the above statement with large mineral belts of India.
-
The peninsular location of India provides scope for harnessing non-conventional energy resources. Discuss with examples.
-
Examine the critical issues of groundwater resources in India.
-
Discuss the salient features of Project Tiger in India.
-
Discuss the importance of solar energy in the future economic development of India.
-
Discuss the reserves, distribution, and production of all varieties of coal in India.
-
The pattern of growing ecological foot-prints is uneven in nature. Analyze with reference to land resources in India.
-
Discuss the problems of wildlife conservation and management in India.
-
Examine the major causes of groundwater depletion in India.
-
Illustrate with suitable examples the endeavours undertaken in augmenting conservation of water and vegetation in India.
-
Keeping the recent developments in view, how can the energy crisis of India be circumvented by harnessing non-conventional energy resources?
-
Discuss the freshwater crisis in India and prepare a blueprint for its sustainable management.
-
Why has solar energy in India not been developed to desired level in spite of its high potential?
-
Give an account of the development of renewable resources of India.
-
Identify the important biotic resource regions of India and highlight their problems.
-
Outline the Government of India’s strategies of conservation of the Western Ghats.
-
Account for the geographical distribution of groundwater resources of India. How serious is its depletion in recent decades?
-
Highlight the socio-economic and ecological roles of River Cauvery in its riverine tract.
-
Delineate the coalfields of India and mention their distinctive features.
Unit 13
Agriculture
PYQ Solutions
-
Divide India into agro-ecological regions and highlight the salient features of any one of them.
-
Examine the causes and consequences of crop diversification in India. How can crop diversification contribute to sustainable agriculture?
-
Discuss the necessary conditions for the cultivation of fox nuts and describe the areas of its production in India.
-
What are the challenges of dairy sector in India? Describe the contribution of bovine population.
-
How does the agricultural sector of India confront with the contemporary physical and politico-economic changes in the different regions of the country? Elucidate.
-
How does Himalayan ecosystem regulate the cropping pattern and agricultural activities in Himalayan region of India? Discuss.
-
Examine the transitional role of technology on Indian agriculture sector.
-
How do small and fragmented landholdings affect the agro-ecological system in rural India? What are the resilient steps needed to overcome this issue?
-
Institutional factors are playing a dominant role in controlling the agricultural prosperity in India. Justify with evidences.
-
Why India lags behind many other countries in agricultural productivity? Suggest suitable measures to raise productivity across the regions in a sustainable manner.
-
India’s poultry sector has become one of the fastest growing areas of the country’s agricultural sector. Examine its opportunities and challenges.
-
Discuss the significance of organic farming for sustainable agricultural development in India.
-
Why are millets considered as ‘nutri-cereals’ and climate-resilient? Discuss the constraints and opportunities of millet cultivation in India.
-
How do agro-climatic and land capability indicators assist in the macro-agricultural regionalization of India? Illustrate with an appropriate map.
-
Discuss the importance of ‘Dry-land’ farming in the drought-prone regions of India.
-
Discuss the recent changes brought about in institutional frameworks of agriculture in India. Evaluate its impact on the agrarian economy of the country.
-
Canal irrigation has led to monocropping in India. Explain with suitable examples.
-
Elucidate the benefits of neem coated urea scheme for indian agriculture.
-
Discuss the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in agriculture and its impact on human health.
-
The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2020 aims to deregulate the production, supply, and distribution of farm produce. Critically examine its spatial consequences.
-
Correlate the agro-climatic zones with agro-ecological regions of India.
-
Explain the significance of dry farming in drought prone areas of India.
-
Examine the ongoing process of agricultural diversification and its implications for food security in India.
-
Explain the contemporary agricultural scenario in the context of rapid urbanizations in India.
-
“India has paid heavily for achievement of Green Revolution in the form of economic, social and ecological cost.” Discuss.
-
Land reform is a key to modern agriculture in India. Describe various measures taken in this direction after Independence.
-
Define agricultural intensity and bring out its regional distribution in India.
-
Discuss the scope of replication of ‘White Revolution’ in India.
-
With the help of a map, indicate the principal areas of dryland farming in the country and account for farmers’ suicides mainly in those areas.
-
Distinguish between ‘agricultural productivity’ and ‘agricultural efficiency’, and bring out the disparity in regional distribution of agricultural efficiency.
-
‘In spite of various negative impacts of Green Revolution, there is a demand for New Green Revolution.’ Elaborate.
-
Explain how modernization of Indian agriculture is affected by unfavorable institutional factors with suitable examples.
-
Why has agro and social forestry has failed to achieve its objectives?
-
Define agricultural productivity. Mention the methods of its measurement and bring out the disparities in its regional distribution.
-
Discuss the role of institutional factors in shaping the pattern of Indian agriculture.
-
Discuss the potentiality and present status of horticulture in the Western and central Himalaya.
-
Explain the method of delineating crop-association regions with reference to India.
Unit 14
Industry
PYQ Solutions
-
Analyse the spatial distribution of India’s automobile industry. How have the clusters like Chennai, Pune and Gurugram emerged as key auto-hubs?
-
Critically examine the environmental and economic consequences of India’s rise as a global data centre hub.
-
Explain the global supply chain for the fertilizer industry in India. How do international prices of key inputs affect domestic production?
-
Discuss the role of the private sector in the technological advancements of the defence industry in India.
-
Why cottage industries in India are an integral part of Indian socio-economic structure? Assess this with reference to different types of cottage industries in rural India.
-
Explain the factors which contribute to the growth of India’s pharmaceutical industry with specific reference to its concentration in western region of India.
-
Write a critically argued essay on nautical tourism and its infrastructure in India.
-
Industrial waste is diversified. Discuss the potentials and challenges associated with it.
-
Assess the ecotourism potential of Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep islands and highlight the challenges associated with the sustainable development of island territories.
-
Domestic tourism in India has immense local resource potential. Discuss the reasons and its various dimensions.
-
Identify the jute-producing areas and discuss the major causes of decline of jute mill industry in India.
-
Indian Pharma Industry has to move from ‘volume’ to ‘value’ leadership to capture global market. Discuss.
-
Discuss the salient characteristics of industrial complexes of Western India. Examine the impact of SEZ policy on the region.
-
Assess the growth of multinational corporations in the liberalized economic environment of India.
-
Identify the major industrial corridors of India and discuss the characteristics of the Bengaluru-Mumbai Corridor.
-
Examine the significance of ecotourism in relation to socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation in India.
-
Give a reasoned account of the difference between the sugar industry of North and Peninsular India.
-
What are the characteristics of Blue Flag certified beaches? Discuss their significance for beach tourism in India.
-
Identify oilseeds producing areas in India and discuss the measure to promote edible oil industry.
-
The Pharmaceutical industry in India depend on the import of raw material. Evaluate this statement in view of the Indo-Chinese relationship.
-
Explain the relevance of green tourism for sustainable development of mountain environment in India.
-
Assess the importance of foot-loose industries in the development of backward regions in India.
-
Startups may play important role in giving fillip to economic growth in India. Illustrate with examples.
-
Critically analyse the role of multinational corporations in India’s economic development with suitable examples.
-
Give a critical account of region specific constraints of sustainable tourism in India.
-
Assess the suitability of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for the sustainable economic development in India.
-
Name the major industrial regions of India indicating the bases of their identification. Highlight their basic problems.
-
Mini steel plants can act as an instrument of decentralization of iron and steel industry in India. Explain.
-
How may tourism in hilly areas of India be developed as an important source of economy?
-
Analyze the location, distributional pattern and problems of cotton textile industries in India.
-
“The Bokaro Iron and Steel Plant is an example of Industrial Complex.” Explain.
-
Explain the New Industrial Policies in India.
-
Why is the traditional crafts industry in India on the decline?
-
What are the desired possible changes in our trade policy to promote the development of cottage industry?
-
Why does the pharmaceutical industry concentrate largely in the western region of the country?
-
Describe the problems of agro-based industries in India in general and cotton textiles in particular.
-
Location of thermal power plants and coal fields in India are not mutually conducive. Analyse.
-
Explain how eco-tourism activities could be important livelihood options in the Himalayan and North-Eastern regions of the country.
-
Distributional pattern of industries in India does not provide requisite basis for division of the country into distinct industrial regions. Elaborate.
-
Discuss the problems in realization of benefits of globalization and liberalization in industrial sector of India.
-
Explain the role of multinationals in globalization of industries in India.
-
Identify the main industrial clusters of India and account for their development.
Unit 15
Transport, Communication and Trade
PYQ Solutions
-
Poor road infrastructure and inadequate public transport system remain the key issues in Indian metropolitan areas. Discuss with suitable examples.
-
Describe the role of energy pipelines in the industrial development and in reducing the regional imbalances in India.
-
India’s vulnerability to maritime choke-points has increased sharply over time due to geopolitical tensions. Discuss.
-
With reference to the transport and communication network of India, critically discuss the ‘Sagarmala project’.
-
What are the major regional rapid transit systems developed in India? How are urban problems being addressed by them?
-
Highlight the salient features of India’s trade policy. Discuss the status of India’s balance of trade with China.
-
The Indian Space Policy, 2023 supports the commercial presence in space. In what ways will it benefit the socio-economic development and security of India?
-
Examine the role of Indian Earth Observation Satellite Technology in enhancing weather forecasting and disaster management.
-
Discuss the geopolitical significance of Quad in the Indo-Pacific realm with reference to marine trade in the region.
-
Critically examine the role of IRNSS-NavIC programme on the satellite navigation system of India.
-
Discuss the significance of new ports on the Western Coast of India on the external trade of the country.
-
Critically assess the status of the balance of trade in India and suggest some measures to combat the issues.
-
Examine how information and communication technology has boosted the development of certain regions of India.
-
India has opened-up its space to private sectors for satellite-based activities. Critically examine its implications indicating the major security concerns.
-
With special reference to India examine the changes in the nature and patterns of international trade. Mention the major influencing factors.
-
Examine the development of information technology in India and its influence on work culture and society.
-
Examine ongoing space programmes of India and their implications for national security in future.
-
Discuss the changing composition of international trade through major seaports of India.
-
Explain the pipeline network across India and its impact on regional development.
-
Account for the persisting negative trade balance of India.
-
Integrated development of road and rail networks in a complementary framework is a prerequisite for regional development. Explain with reference to North-Eastern Region of India.
-
Describe the salient features of Sagar Mala Project and highlight its role in port-led development of coastal regions in India.
-
Critically examine the feasibility of development of a comprehensive network of airways in India.
-
Bring out the significance of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
-
Evaluate the impact of technology on resource utilization in India.
-
Explain with suitable examples the role of road transport in agricultural development in India.
-
Analyse the pattern of India’s trade with the S-E Asian countries.
-
Bring out the development of river water transport in India and its role in regional development.
-
Evaluate the contribution of Communication and Information Technology to the development of economy and society, and examine the relevance of the recently launched ‘Digital India’ programme.
-
How has India’s ‘Look East’ policy taken shape in the past two decades and how it may affect India’s external trade?
-
Discuss the problems and prospects of National Waterway No. 1.
-
Examine the role of road transport in regional development taking suitable examples from an area you have studied in detail.
Unit 16
Cultural Setting
PYQ Solutions
-
Assess the role of geographical isolation in preserving tribal culture, as well as hindering their socio-economic development in India.
-
Examine the trends in fertility rates across Indian states over time. How are they projected to evolve by 2050?
-
Analyse the consequences of circular migration in India. How does it influence both rural development and the urban economy?
-
“Spatial distribution of religious groups in India does not show any specific pattern.” Illustrate with arguments.
-
What are the key features of sex-ratio of population in India? Evaluate the impacts of child sex-ratio on general sex-ratio in the country.
-
Why is the pattern of population distribution of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes different in India? Compare their socio-economic problems with examples.
-
How is cultural background of States of India reflected in the attributes of sex and age structure?
-
Indian population belongs to large number of races. Discuss the spatial distribution of major races.
-
Explain the cultural regions of India based on their cultural attributes.
-
In spite of various tribal area development programmes in India, tribal areas still lag behind. Discuss critically with examples.
-
With a falling fertility rate and rising median age, how can India translate demographic dividend to economic dividend?
-
Discuss the emergence of linguistic regions and states in India.
-
How would decline in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) below the replacement level, in many states of India affect the future population structure of the country?
-
Discuss the impact of Forest Rights Act, 2006 on the local forest communities in India.
-
Critically examine the relevance of Ravenstein’s law of population migration with reference to India.
-
The process of demographic transition is not uniform in India. Examine this statement in the context of demographic transition theory.
-
Analyse the changing nature of workforce composition vis-a-vis rural-urban divide in India.
-
Analyse the role of interstate migration in regional disparity in India.
-
Explain the present status of age-structure and availability of workforce in India.
-
Discuss the socio-economic problems associated with the left behind families of international migrants from India.
-
Critically assess the vanishing ethnic linguistic plurality of India.
-
Religious minorities are largely concentrated in border States of India. Discuss its causes and consequences.
-
“Linguistic diversity is an asset as well as a challenge in India.” Explain the statement focussing on the distribution of languages and the major steps taken to address the related issues.
-
Point out the ethnic disparities in the N-E India.
-
Discuss the factors influencing the distribution of sex ratio in India.
-
In population planning, the thrust of the Government has been ‘planning the population’ not ‘plan for the population’. Elaborate.
-
Discuss the social and spatial ramifications of increasing longevity.
-
“Age-sex pyramid is representative of the history of a region.” Explain.
-
Discuss the trends in emigration focusing on its major thrust.
-
Highlight the implications of declining child sex ratio in India.
-
Describe the impact of linguistic diversity on the development of various regions of India.
-
Demographic dividend and its implications on Indian socio-economic environment.
-
What do you understand by ‘Young India’? How can the present state of population composition be converted into an asset for the country?
Unit 17
Settlements
PYQ Solutions
-
Explain the government initiatives for the redevelopment of slum areas in the mega cities of India.
-
How can rural-urban fringe be delineated? Explain with suitable examples from India.
-
“The rural settlements in India are highly diversified due to both physical and cultural factors.” Justify the statement with examples.
-
How can morphology of Indian towns be described historically? Discuss the major features of the first planned city in India after independence.
-
Migration is the reflection of regional disparities. What socio-economic and demographic consequences are experienced at the place of origin and destination?
-
Discuss the process of formation of conurbations in India and describe their problems.
-
A large number of Indian cities have a complex morphological characteristics due to their historical evolution. Elucidate.
-
Urban built environment in big cities of India create key changes in the biophysical character of the landscape. Discuss.
-
What are the drivers of urban sprawl around the major cities of the country? How have new investments in transport projects supported sprawl development ?
-
Examine the role of high population concentration in Indian slums in making them more vulnerable during pandemic conditions like the COVID-19.
-
Discuss Ashok Mitra’s classification method of Indian cities.
-
Critically examine the importance of the Smart Cities Programme for solving urban problems in India.
-
Urban sprawl around planned cities evolve leading to emergence of squatter settlements. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such outgrowth.
-
Identify challenges faced by generative and parasitic towns in India and their possible remedies.
-
Provide a reasoned account on emerging conurbations in India and explain with suitable examples the problems associated with it.
-
Give a reasoned geographical account of changing rural folk houses in india.
-
Correlate the price of land, vertical growth of cities and the growth of slums in large cities of India.
-
Peri-urbanization has created enormous environmental problems. Discuss their causes and consequences with reference to the National Capital Region (N.C.R.) of India.
-
Examine the driving forces of changing urban morphology of million-plus cities of India with suitable examples.
-
Mention various methods of functional classification of towns in India and explain the method applied by Asok Mitra.
-
Small towns in India have problems and prospects of their own. Elaborate.
-
Describe the causes and effects of urbanization in India and explain its impact on rural landscape and urban ecology.
-
How do slums develop? Give concrete suggestions for their improvement.
-
Present a comparative analysis of geographical factors responsible for distribution of human settlements in Rajasthan desert and North-Eastern regions of India.
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Reduction in regional disparities has been one of the priority goals of national planning in India. How the proposed new Smart urban centres may contribute to the process?
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“Mono-functional towns are economically vulnerable.” Discuss.
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Account for the multiple problems of urban agglomerations.
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Analyse the feasibility of ‘Smart Towns’ Development in India.
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Define slums and explain their problems.
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Write note on the emergence of National Settlement System in colonial India and discuss the factors contributing to urbanization in post-independence period.
Unit 18
Regional Development and Planning
PYQ Solutions
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Soil and water conservation are the major challenges in the development of hill areas of India. Explain.
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Discuss how Panchayati Raj institutions play a crucial role in the empowerment of women in India.
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With reference to typical examples, assess why regional planning in India is important for island territories for their sustainable development.
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“Watershed is the most appropriate spatial unit for planning.” Comment.
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The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act devolved functions, finances and functionaries for planning of rural areas in India. Discuss the major achievements with examples.
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Examine the relationship between seaports and regional development in India.
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Describe the area-specific strategies for the development of drought-prone areas in India.
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India has wide-ranging regional disparities in economic development. Explain the patterns, implications and challenges.
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Describe the regional variations of health indicators among the Indian States.
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Critically examine the ecological and economic impact of Indira Gandhi Canal Command Area development.
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Poor quality of urban planning in India is a huge constraint in realizing the true economic potentials of urbanization. Critically examine.
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Why do disparities in development and incomes between regions persist in large countries like India ? How does the recent ADP plan address the issue ?
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Can the Panchayat Raj institutions play a role in grassroot level planning in India ? If yes, discuss how.
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Discuss the Command Area Development Programme and its impact on eliminating regional inequalities in India.
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Critically examine how Panchayati Raj system is catalyst in decentralized planning in India.
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Discuss the role of watershed management for soil and water conservation in hilly regions of India.
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What kind of skill promotion programmes have been initiated for job deficient regions in India? Explain.
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The success of Panchayati Raj depends upon meaningful participation of people at grassroot level. Examine.
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Identifying areas covered under tribal sub-plan, discuss the programmes initiated to address their problems.
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Analyse the incentive oriented programmes for removing regional imbalances in socio-economic development of India.
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Discuss how watershed management has become a tool in eradication of rural poverty in India.
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Examine the role of people’s participation in successful decentralised planning in India.
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Discuss the strategies of integrated development of island territories in India.
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Explain the role of ‘Hill Transport Subsidy Scheme’ in reducing regional imbalances in areas identified by the Government of India.
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“An effective three-tier Panchayat Raj System will strengthen the bottom-up approach to multilevel planning in India.” Explain.
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Describe the major tribal regions of India and their problems.
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Indian island territories are vulnerable to the sea level rise. Explain.
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Discuss the concept of multi-level planning as practised in India, and explain the implications of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in this respect.
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Is planning for a cluster of villages a viable option, when planning for backward areas of the country? Discuss with suitable examples.
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Discuss the relationship of watershed approach to village level planning.
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Decentralized planning through the strengthening of the Panchayat system is the focus of planning in India in recent times. Suggest a blueprint for an integrated regional development plan.
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Discuss the concept of Command Area Development and evaluate its success with reference to Indira Gandhi Canal.
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How can a meaningful skill development programme contribute to the economic growth of hill areas?
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Evaluate the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme.
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Comment on the criteria of identifying Drought Prone Areas in India.
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Discuss the objective of ‘Vision 2020’ in creation of viable village complex in India for ‘Inclusive Rural Development’ programme.
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Enumerate the basic indicators of development and explain their application in identification of the spatial diversity in development in India.
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City-regions as territorial unit for regional planning and development.
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Planning and development of ‘Tribal Regions’ in India.
Unit 19
Political Aspects
PYQ Solutions
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With reference to the international boundary between India and Bangladesh, discuss the related issues and challenges.
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With reference to international boundaries of India, discuss the related issues, giving suitable examples.
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“India’s approach to the Indian Ocean is cooperative rather than coercive.” Critically examine the statement.
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Is North East India a geo-political or geo-cultural region? Justify your answer.
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“Socio-political landscape in India is a result of regional consciousness creating inter-state disputes.” Discuss with region specific examples.
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India is playing a very significant role in world affairs. Examine the stands taken by India in important global and regional summits.
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North-Eastern States of India are geopolitically sensitive and strategically significant. Explain.
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Examine the geopolitical impact of bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
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Examine the geostrategic significance of Indian islands.
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Discuss the continuing disputes on water sharing between the riparian states of North-West India.
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Kalapani dispute has opened a new front on the India-Nepal international border. Explain.
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Critically examine the problems of inter-State border disputes in India.
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Discuss the geo-political impact of bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan.
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Describe the economic, maritime and strategic interests of India in South China Sea.
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Border area development is an important national priority. What are the resilient steps needed for peaceful borders?
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Has the regional aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir been addressed through re-organisation of the state? Make an assessment.
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“India is emerging as global power in relation to Indian ocean realm.” Elaborate.
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Discuss the political aspects of Himalaya. Explain how it has affected the geo-strategy, geo-politics and regional consciousness of Indian federalism.
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Is the land boundary of India with its neighbouring countries a cultural divide or divided culture? Explain with suitable examples.
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Discuss the emerging geo-political scenario of Indian Ocean realm.
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Cross border terrorism has implications on border area development in India. Examine it with suitable examples.
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Why setting up of Water Management Boards is a controversial issue in India ?
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Goods and Services Tax (GST) has differential impact on developed and backward States of the country. How and why?
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Bring out the geopolitical implications of Doklam dispute in the context of Indo-China relations.
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Identify the Naxal-affected areas in India and discuss their socio-economic problems.
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Explain the inter-State issues involved in implementation of the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal Project.
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Explain the role of India in the geo-politics of South Asia.
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Explain the origin, dimension and implications of Sino-Indian border dispute.
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Give a reasoned account of river water disputes related to the River Krishna.
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India is involved in a number of border disputes. Explain the reasons and remedies.
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Discuss the implications of India’s strategic location with reference to the Indian Ocean.
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Bring out the role of terrain in determining India’s political influence over neighbouring countries.
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Write a note on geopolitics of the Indian Ocean realm.
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Comment on the basis of creation of new States in India in 2000.
Unit 20
Contemporary Issues
PYQ Solutions
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Critically examine the strategic, economic and ecological impacts of the proposed ‘Great Nicobar Project’.
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Why is it difficult to improve the quality of air during the winter season in the Gangetic plain? Critically evaluate with suitable examples.
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Disaster risk reduction and community resilience are the two pillars that need to be prioritized in the flood prone areas of India. Critically analyse.
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While defining the green architecture, discuss its principles and challenges in response to climate change in India.
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What are the causes and consequences of land degradation due to desertification in India ? Examine with reference to various regional issues.
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Describe the causes of the phenomenon of ‘urban heat island’. What are the effective measures to deal with this phenomenon in India ?
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Discuss the problems of floods and their management with special reference to Indo-Gangetic Plain.
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Health is the outcome of interaction between physical setting, cultural traits and ecological connection. Explain.
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Examine the environmental challenges caused by the solid waste in metropolitan regions of India and discuss the efforts to overcome it.
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Evaluate the role of the National Food Security Act, 2013 in providing access of food to the poor in India.
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Groundwater contamination in the fast expanding urban landscape of India appears to have become a major public health issue. Discuss.
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The process of desertification leads to soil desiccation and soil loss. Explain.
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Why has extreme particulate pollution remained a festering issue in Delhi NCR region ?
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Discuss the ecological and economic challenges of river linking in India.
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Appraise why drought is one of the most common climatic extremes in India.
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Demarcating the seismic zones of India, suggest suitable interventions required in most sensitive seismic zones for sustainable human settlements.
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Landslide is a major problem in Himalayan region. Discuss its causes and mitigation measures.
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Avalanche is a major hazard in the Himalayas. What are its causes and mitigation measures ?
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Digital Divide in India needs quick redressal to reduce regional disparity in development. Elaborate with suitable examples.
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Stunting and wasting among children are major consequences of food insecurity. Discuss various schemes of Government of India to address these problems and their achievements.
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Discuss the methods of crop residue management in rural India to reduce pollution.
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Describe the altitudinal and spatial geo-environmental hazards in the Himalayas.
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Give a reasoned account of high level of pollution in North Indian cities as compared to South Indian cities.
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Examine the problems of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in India.
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“Intrabasins linkages of rivers are more feasible economically, socially and ecologically”. Discuss with suitable examples from India.
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Describe the socio-spatial consequences of the recent Nipah viral encephalitis in India.
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Make a critical appraisal of the factors affecting river water quality in India.
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Explain the changing river courses and their impacts on the riparian population in India with suitable examples.
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What do you understand by soil pollution? Delineate the areas vulnerable to it in India and suggest remedial measures.
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Interlinking of rivers may serve as a major source of assured irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India. Comment on its feasibility taking into account physical, economic and ecological implication.
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Farmers’ suicide is one of the major agrarian problems in India. Bring out its causes and suggest the remedial measures with special reference to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.
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Explain the impact of economic development on environmental degradation in India.
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Examine the causes of regional disparities in economic development in India.
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Describe the flood-prone areas and their management problems in the Ganga Plains.
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Explain how change in land use can promote eco-development at different levels in the country.
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How does climate change affect the process of desertification of India?
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Account for the growing frequency and intensity of floods in India, and suggest short- and long-term remedial measures indicating the chronically flood-prone areas.
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How has an inappropriate urban land use policy accounted for undesirable development in and around metropolitan cities ?
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Differentiate between the ‘intensity’ and ‘magnitude’ of an earthquake and explain its varying impact in different parts of India.
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Explain the concept of ‘Make in India’ and indicate the essential inputs for its success.
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Suggest the measures of wild-life conservation with reference to extinction of rare species.
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Identify the earthquake-prone zones and suggest strategy for their management.
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Describe how urbanization creates air and water pollution in India.
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Snags in the Food Security Policy of India
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Comment on the feasibility of interlinking of rivers of India and its possible contribution to resolution of water crisis.
