Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Geography Optional
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Year: 2024
Geography Optional Question Paper-1 (2024)
Section: A
1. Answer the following in about 150 words each:
1 a). What are truncated spurs’ ?Where and how are they formed?
1 b). Formation of temperate cyclone depends on the condition of axis of dilation. Elucidate.
1 c). With suitable examples explain the factors causing sea level changes.
1 d). Examine the impacts of social forestry in socio-economic transformation of rural areas.
1 e). Mountain regions are more fragile to ecological changes. Elucidate.
2 a). Examine the recent views on mountain building process and divide the world mountains on the basis of their genesis.
2 b). Describe latitudinal distribution of Köppen’s classification of world climate.
2 c). With suitable sketches elaborate the bottom topography of the Indian Ocean.
3 a). Explain air masses and associated weather dynamics. How do air masses influence the weather conditions of the Northern Hemisphere?
3 b). “Soil erosion is creeping death.” Explaining the statement, suggest various soil conservation measures.
3 c). Perception, Attitude, Value and Emotion (PAVE) are important components for biodiversity and sustainable environmental conservation. Elaborate.
4 a). How is carbon neutrality essential for future environmental conservation? Describe various efforts taken by nations in this regard.
4 b). 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.
4 c). “The latitudinal gradient in species richness is an important geographic trend in biodiversity.” Examine the statement.
Section: B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words each:
5 a). Critically examine the significance of Behavioural Approach in the development of human geography.
5 b). “While scarcity of water resources are felt locally, but its causes are increasingly global.” Comment.
5 c). Central Business Districts (CBDs) are in decline as the economic core of metropolitan cities. Critically examine.
5 d). There is a need for gender-sensitive regional development. Elaborate.
5 e). Explain the theoretical framework and stages of economic growth proposed by Rostow’s model.
6 a). The urbanisation process is particularly pronounced in Asia and Africa, where too many urban residents grapple with extreme poverty, exclusion, vulnerability and marginalisation. Discuss.
6 b). Explain how the physical view of geographical space has impacted the forms of spatial analysis.
6 c). Explain the Heartland theory with reference to contemporary geopolitical scenario of the world.
7 a). ExpIain the basis of D. Whittlesey’s classification of agricultural regions of the world.
7 b). What is Transnationalism? Why has the scale and scope of transnational linkages of diaspora multiplied in recent times?
7 c). Assess the criteria required for selecting regions for developmental planning?
8 a). What is complementary region? With reference to hierarchy of settlements, describe the different types of complementary regions as proposed by Christaller.
8 b). Analyse the spatial changes and emerging patterns of semiconductor manufacturing in the world.
8 c). “In developed countries, migration rather than fertility will be the main driver of population dynamics over the next few decades.” Examine the statement.
Geography Optional Question Paper-2 (2024)
Section: A
1 a). On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/ commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:
- Lunkaransar
- (Gua
- Raidak River
- Ekta Nagar
- Chandanwari
- Babina
- Tatipaka
- Along Airport
- Karaikal
- Panna
1 b). Discuss the basis of various explanations for the formation of Shiwalik
1 c). Conservation and breeding centres are important component of the Action PIan for Vulture Conservation 2020—2025. Why?
1 d). North-Eastern States in India are geopolitically sensitive and strategically significant. Explain.
2 a). Institutional factors are playing a dominant role in controlling the agricultural prosperity in India. Justify with evidences.
2 b). 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?
2 c). Discuss the process of formation of conurbations in India and describe their problems.
3 a). India has wide-ranging regional disparities in economic development. Explain the patterns, implications and challenges.
3 b). Discuss the variations in nature of glaciers in India and the emerging issues due to climate change.
3 c). Domestic tourism in India has immense local resource potential. Discuss the reasons and its various dimensions.
4 a). Migration is the reflection of regional disparities. What socio-economic and demographic consequences are experienced at the place of origin and destination?
4 b). In spite of various tribal area development programmes in India, tribal areas still lag behind. Discuss critically with examples.
4 c). WaterScarcity is an important cause of disputes and conflicts in India. Suggest innovative methods for location-based solutions.
Section: B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
5 a). How are geographic factors influencing the distribution of high, annual rainfall in certain parts of India?
5 b). Indian population belongs to large number of races. Discuss the spatial distribution of major races.
5 c). Examine the transitional role of technology on Indian agriculture sector.
5 d). Describe the area-specific strategies for the development of drought-prone areas in India.
5 e). Examine the relationship between seaports and regional development in India.
6 a). Industrial waste is diversified. Discuss the potentials and challenges associated with it.
6 b). How is cultural background of States of India reflected in the attributes of sex and age structure?
6 c). Discuss the targets of focused interventions of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain, 2024 in rural and urban areas.
7 a). India is playing a very significant role in world affairs. Examine the stands taken by India in important global and regional summits.
7 b). The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act devolved functions, finances and functionaries for planning of rural areas in India. Discuss the major achievements with examples
7 c). How do small and fragmented landholdings affect the agro-ecological system in rural India? What are the resilient steps needed to overcome this issue?
8 a). How can morphology of Indian towns be described historically? Discuss the major features of the first planned city in India after independence.
8 b). Health is the outcome of interaction between physical setting, cultural traits and ecological connection. Explain.
8 c). What are the major regional rapid transit systems developed in India? How are urban problems being addressed by them?